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 West Carteret, NJ - a modern take on an ancient treatment that has been used for thousands of years.
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 West Carteret, 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.
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.
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.
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 West Carteret, NJ, including the following:
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:
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 West Carteret, 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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Last UpdatedMarch 27, 2023 at 3:38 PMWOODBRIDGE, NJ — The town’s Zoning Board has finally granted all necessary approvals – over persistent neighborhood objections – for two, new apartment buildings on West Avenue in Sewaren.This squabble may not be over.Homeowners have, for months, protested plans for the “Arches at Sewaren,” saying the “Victorian-style” multi-unit buildings are a bad fit in their neat neighborhood of older single-family h...
Last UpdatedMarch 27, 2023 at 3:38 PM
WOODBRIDGE, NJ — The town’s Zoning Board has finally granted all necessary approvals – over persistent neighborhood objections – for two, new apartment buildings on West Avenue in Sewaren.
This squabble may not be over.
Homeowners have, for months, protested plans for the “Arches at Sewaren,” saying the “Victorian-style” multi-unit buildings are a bad fit in their neat neighborhood of older single-family homes.
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Lifelong Sewaren homeowner Sandra VanOrden, a vocal West Avenue opponent, says she and like-minded neighbors may file a Superior Court appeal to block construction, asking a judge to take an impartial look their concerns. It is not known if area residents have hired an attorney.
The Zoning Board voted 5-2 on Thursday, March 23rd, to grant a host of variances that Arches at Sewaren, LLC, needs to move ahead with its two-year-old project. The limited liability company’s principle is Thomas J. Fallon of Manalapan.
In an online interview, VanOrden said:
“(Residents) filled the room, did our research, and our concerns and evidence fell upon deaf ears. Apparently, the township is not abiding by the rules they've set ... essentially, there is no need for a zoning board or for a historical commission if they aren't valid. What’s their purpose? They're just sucking up our taxes. Their plan has two buildings on one lot, and it is not in conformity with the development standards for this zone. The developer truly has not considered its responsibility to its neighbors and their properties."
Arches at Sewaren LLC initially proposed two “Victorian-style,” two-story buildings each with 14 apartments on three vacant lots totaling 1.5-acres. Those wooded properties are listed as 551, 555 and 561 West Avenue.
It’s latest proposal shows the applicant reduced the number of apartments by one, from 28 to 27. Instead, it added a community room to one of the buildings. Tenants would still have 56 off-street parking spaces buffered from the street by thicker landscaping.
The latest revision includes outdoor lighting to better shields nearby homes. Landscapi ng – with 8-foot-high evergreen trees and an 8-foot solid vinyl fence – along the rear property line to screen the apartment buildings from view.
On Nov. 11, 2022, the township Zoning Board denied all approvals for this apartment complex after a large number of objections from homeowners on West Avenue, Marsh Street and Cliff Road.
Arches at Sewaren LLC, originally applied to the Zoning Board with a similar proposal in October 2020. It withdrew that application and went back to the drawing board before the board had a chance to make any final decisions.
West Avenue has one other apartment building, next door to the Arches at Sewaren site. Two-story Ivy Apartments, at 567 West Ave., has rented 17 studios and one-and two-bedroom apartments since it was built in 1981.
CorrespondentOLD BRIDGE — The Halal Spot conducted a grand opening celebration on Saturday, though the quick service restaurant opened for business last month.To mark its launch, the restaurant, which is located in the Route 18 Marketplace at Maple Street just before the Wawa Convenience Store on the southbound side of 18, offered 15 percent off all day as well as free giveaways.Owner-operator Imran Shabbir, who now runs a pair of Halal Spots in Middlesex County, said he launched the first on Rooseve...
Correspondent
OLD BRIDGE — The Halal Spot conducted a grand opening celebration on Saturday, though the quick service restaurant opened for business last month.
To mark its launch, the restaurant, which is located in the Route 18 Marketplace at Maple Street just before the Wawa Convenience Store on the southbound side of 18, offered 15 percent off all day as well as free giveaways.
Owner-operator Imran Shabbir, who now runs a pair of Halal Spots in Middlesex County, said he launched the first on Roosevelt Avenue in West Carteret five years ago. He feels that there’s a demand for the same high quality and healthy halal food in the township, so he duplicated his model in Old Bridge.
“We’re ready to to continue getting the love from Old Bridge that we’ve been receiving so far,” said Shabbir. “That’s what halal Food is.”
The crew members are looking forward to meeting the needs of patrons in every way, added Shabbir, who doesn’t believe you have to buy a franchise to deliver premium food and the great in-store experience that's so vital these days.
“If you can do things better on your own, why not?” Shabbir said, citing his small but growing organization, which his brother, Umair, and their father Shabbir Hussain, also play a key part in.
For example, not being “regulated by a broad franchise concept gives us the right to change our menu and the level of spices as required,” he said. “We’ll experiment and cater to the needs of the community.”
The cuisine is Mediterranean with a South Asian twist, said Imran, citing an intentional similarity to “halal New York style platters.” Kabobs, curries, gyros, and burgers are among the most popular menu items available.
“We kind of made a fusion with Asian flavors and spices. You’ll see a bit of Mediterranean food along with the special spices,” said Imran. “You don’t feel guilty after eating this meal.”
The Halal Spot occupies the 1,400-square-foot storefront — formerly Lynx Subs — in the retail strip mall (Route 18 Marketplace), where all the space is now fully leased, according to Kroll Commercial Realty.
Umair Shabbir said that he registered the restaurant with both DoorDash Inc., the fast growing on-demand courier service, and Uber Eats for deliveries, but also indicated they’d be employing their own delivery staff.
CARTERET - Local, state and federal officials met in the borough Thursday morning to unveil the completion of a solar panel project.The ribbon-cutting ceremony was at Berjé Inc., the location of the 200,000-square-foot solar panel system, and included company executives and employees joined by Mayor Daniel Reiman and U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. U.S. Sen. Cory Booker's project director, Zach McCue, was also there, along with Courtney McCormick, vice president of renewable energy solutions for PSE&G.Berj...
CARTERET - Local, state and federal officials met in the borough Thursday morning to unveil the completion of a solar panel project.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was at Berjé Inc., the location of the 200,000-square-foot solar panel system, and included company executives and employees joined by Mayor Daniel Reiman and U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. U.S. Sen. Cory Booker's project director, Zach McCue, was also there, along with Courtney McCormick, vice president of renewable energy solutions for PSE&G.
Berjé Inc., a global distributor of essential oils and aromatic chemicals, is headquartered at 700 Blair Road in Carteret.
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“The benefits of switching to solar energy are not only substantial for our business but also for our environment,” said Kim Bleimann, chairman and CEO of Berjé. “Sustainability is an important part of our business and it’s important for us to play an active role in protecting our environment for generations to come."
"Five years ago, we welcomed Berjé into the West Carteret industrial market and into the Carteret business community, Reiman said. "Berjé's growth as a company is a testament to their organizational leadership and corporate family philosophy. We are thrilled with this new investment in clean renewable energy technology, which shows their long-term investment and commitment to staying and growing in Carteret.
"Berjé joins the likes of Amazon, Goldman Sachs, Dr Pepper Snapple group, NASDAQ, Verizon and so many other Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies choosing to call Carteret home."
The 4,092 solar panels cover 200,000 square feet of Berjé’s 235,000-square-foot flagship facility and cost around $2.7 million to construct, according to a news release. The panels were installed by Direct Solar Energy.
In one year, the renewable energy source will equate to planting 24,000 trees, taking 170 passenger cars off the road, or reducing the consumption of 106,000 gallons of gasoline, according to the release.
The impact over 25 years increases to planting 680,000 trees, taking 4,860 passenger vehicles off the road, or reducing the consumption of over 3 million gallons of gasoline.
"I am proud that New Jersey is a national leader on solar energy, and is second in the nation in the total number of homes and businesses which have solar panels installed," Pallone said. "Berjé’s decision to be a part of the clean energy revolution shows how business and government can work together to increase solar projects.”
Company officials said the solar panels will play a part in the company's future success.
“When I think about the next generation of our company, I think about what we need to do now to ensure that our legacy of success continues,” said Gillian Bleimann, executive vice president of Berjé.
“Remaining a family-owned business and adhering to our core values is fundamentally important as we look to the company’s future. Bolstering our commitment to renewable energy and sustainability efforts will remain a priority as I lead Berjé into an exciting third generation.”
Staff Writer Nick Muscavage: 908-243-6615; ngmuscavage@gannettnj.com
CARTERET - A small residential apartment building for veterans and seniors aged 55 and older will be constructed at the former site of the Catholic War Veterans (CWV) building, Mayor Daniel J. Reiman said in a release Tuesday.“Unfortunately the financial burden for our Carteret CWV organization was too large to support keeping the building and property, so we determined the best use would be to redevelop the property for veteran and senior housing,” veteran and CWV President Vinnie Bellino said “All pr...
CARTERET - A small residential apartment building for veterans and seniors aged 55 and older will be constructed at the former site of the Catholic War Veterans (CWV) building, Mayor Daniel J. Reiman said in a release Tuesday.
“Unfortunately the financial burden for our Carteret CWV organization was too large to support keeping the building and property, so we determined the best use would be to redevelop the property for veteran and senior housing,” veteran and CWV President Vinnie Bellino said “All proceeds from the sale of the building were donated to local veterans organizations and a portion will be utilized for a scholarship drive next year.”
The building, located on a cul-de-sac at the end of Carteret Avenue ear Jackson Avenue, will consist of 35 one-bedroom units, the borough said. It will replace an existing hall and single family home currently located on the property. Additional amenities for residents of the building will include a bocce ball court, fire pit, BBQ area and gazebo.
The project was approved by the Carteret Zoning Board at its Jan. 21 meeting. The building will be constructed by Butter Construction. Construction of the building is expected to begin this fall, according to the release.
“Our honorable veterans have given so much for our country, and it seems appropriate, to say the least, that we give what we can in return,” Zoning Board Chairman Frank James said.
“Carteret values and cherishes our veterans and senior population,” Reiman said. “This new development will ensure that Carteret’s seniors and veterans will have an affordable place to live and thrive in our community.”
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According to the National Housing Conference, nearly 2.5 million older veteran households—or 24 percent of all households headed by veterans age 55 or older—are housing cost burdened, meaning they spend 30 percent or more of their income on housing, the release said. Of all 50 U.S. states, New Jersey contains the highest share of cost burdened older veteran households at 35.2 percent, according to the release.
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“Many veterans live with lingering effects of post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse which, combined with a lack of family and social support networks, is why you see so many homeless vets,’’ veteran and former national VFW Commander George Lisicki said. “I’m proud to see our Carteret community stepping up to offer this development for veterans to call home.”
"It has been a priority of this administration to ease some of the pressure experienced by residents vulnerable to the rising cost of living in urban New Jersey, and to ensure that our returning heroes, our veterans, who may be making a transition from service, are not left without practical housing options," Reiman said.
Email: sloyer@gannettnj.com
Susan Loyer covers Middlesex County and more for MyCentralJersey.com. To get unlimited access to her work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Family photo of Ryan Nelan with his son Jared.Photo Credit: Courtney Nelan/GoFundMePublishedJune 10, 2022 at 12:32 PMCARTERET, NJ — The sister of a 36-year-old borough man, stabbed twice in his skull when he intervened in an April 5 domestic dispute, is seeking help for the long-term medical care she says her brother will need.Courtney Nelan, sister of Ryan Nelan, has started a ...
Family photo of Ryan Nelan with his son Jared.Photo Credit: Courtney Nelan/GoFundMe
PublishedJune 10, 2022 at 12:32 PM
CARTERET, NJ — The sister of a 36-year-old borough man, stabbed twice in his skull when he intervened in an April 5 domestic dispute, is seeking help for the long-term medical care she says her brother will need.
Courtney Nelan, sister of Ryan Nelan, has started a GoFundMe page with an ambitious $100,000 goal for her brother who is now a patient at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange. The online appeal has so far generated about $3,800 in pledges.
“Ryan is making progress, but he may never be the same as before,” said Courtney, 33, of South River. She said knife wounds to his head damaged his brain; he may not walk or drive again; and need “someone to help him do everything from using the bathroom to doing physical therapy,” she said.
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Police said Nelan was slashed on his arm and stabbed in his head with a folding knife on April 5 when he intervened in a neighbor’s domestic dispute on Essex Street.
Nelan was rushed to Newark University Hospital for treatment, underwent surgeries, and remained hospitalized for several weeks before he was moved to the rehab facility.
Two weeks after the incident, Carteret detectives and federal marshals found and arrested the alleged assailant, Manuel Rodriguez, 26, of Carteret, taking him into custody at a restaurant in Camden.
Rodriguez was charged with aggravated assault, unlawful weapons possession, and endangering a child’s welfare. He has since been released on bail from the county jail.
Courtney Nelan described her brother as a kind person and “a hero,” who was severely injured “just being a Good Samaritan.” She worries that he is getting depressed about his future once he is well enough to leave the rehabilitation center.
Before the incident, Nelan was an unemployed, single father who “struggled with addiction, but (he) was getting to get his life together,” Courtney said. “Then, this happened.”