November 2017: Top Docs

Our annual list of the state’s best practitioners, as chosen by their peers. Plus: finding alternatives to pain relief in the wake of the opioid crisis, living with autoimmune disease, a cluster of Asian-American women defying the ravages of time, and more.

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Top Doctors

As an alternative to opioids, pain-management specialists can utilize a variety of injections. Some target pain trigger points, such as knotted muscles. Others, known as epidurals, are used to reduce pain emanating from the spine.

As Addiction Rises, Doctors Seek Pain-Relieving Alternatives to Opioids

Doctors seek new paths toward pain relief amid an epidemic of addiction and death.

How Opioids React in the Body

Opioids bind to receptors in the body, altering a number of physical and emotional functions.

Vanessa Vitolo, now clean, hopes to set an example for former opioid addicts.

Vanessa Vitolo is a Role Model for Former Addicts

Vanessa Vitolo is the familiar face of Jersey’s opioid crisis. Now clean, she’s hoping to set an example for others.

Saving Lives with Narcan

Narcan is commonly administered by emergency personnel as a nasal spray to prevent an impending death.

Living with Autoimmune Disease

The causes of autoimmunity remain vague. Cures are elusive. But for many, the symptoms can be managed.

Nurse practitioner Darcel Reyes, left, confers with community health worker Barbara Robinson at Stephen Crane Village, an affordable housing community in Newark.

Nurse Practitioners are Filling the Gap

Nurse practitioners can provide advanced care in places where primary-care physicians are in short supply. The demand for their services is growing.

"I'm living every day going up and going down the stairs." --Hyukyung Kang, 85.

The Asian-American Women of Bergen County are Ageless Wonders

In Bergen County, a cluster of Asian-American women defy the ravages of time. What can they teach the rest of us?

A playful Scott Kelly displays his formidable juggling skills in the weightless environment aboard the International Space Station.

Astronaut Scott Kelly is Earthbound Once More

In a new book, Jersey-born astronaut Scott Kelly shares memories of his time in space and his sometimes painful return to terra firma.

Air National Guard trainees take aim on the 20,000-acre Range Complex Training Facility at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. The more than 60 ranges on the joint base are used for pistol, rifle, machine-gun and grenade-launcher training.

A Day in the Life of the Officers at Joint-Base McGuire-Dix Lakehurst

At the U.S. military’s joint base in South Jersey, residents walk their dogs, have barbecues and wave to their neighbors. But don’t confuse it with a bland suburban enclave. The joint base and its personnel play a crucial role in America’s ability to flex its muscles and respond to crises at home and around the world.

Seared ahi tuna, sprinkled with Maldon sea salt and topped with julienned snowpeas and spiced macadamias. Hidden beneath the tuna is the coconut jasmine rice that completes the dish.

Where the Wild Things Are: H2Ocean in Cedar Knolls

Scrupulous about freshness and favoring wild-caught over farmed, the owners have made their restaurant a seafood magnet.

This Rooster Struts as it Crows: Roosterspin in New Brunswick

Crispy-spicy Korean fried chicken is just one of the attractions of the new branch of Roosterspin, in New Brunswick. The other is its liquor license, featuring cocktails that are worth a detour on their own.

Tart Beers for Turkey Time

The category known as sour beers deserves a place at the Thanksgiving table. Some are fruity, but all deliver varying degrees of refreshing tartness.

Dorcas Reilly at Campbell’s in the late 1940s.

Ode to the Humble Green Bean Casserole, the Time-Saver America Took to Heart

In 1955, Dorcas Reilly created green bean casserole for Campbell’s. For my family, and so many others, it isn’t Thanksgiving without it.

After 16 Years, a New Home: Marie Nicole’s in Avalon

Marie Nicole’s was an institution in Wildwood Crest, where for 16 years it set the standard for fine dining. Last June it relocated to nearby Avalon.

George Kuhn appreciates the parking spaces that are reserved for wounded veterans. He recalls a time when folks “didn’t look at us too favorably.”

Throughout the State, Veterans Find Signs of Respect

Municipalities are honoring veterans with combat wounded parking signs.

In 2016, Lisa Lucas became the first woman and first African-American to helm the National Book Foundation.

National Book Foundation’s Lisa Lucas Always Enjoys a Good Book

“There are small, glowing moments of satisfaction that come from being a reader.”

George Marriner Maull, creative director of the Discovery Orchestra, instructs the audience to listen closely during the 30th Anniversary Concert at Drew University in April.

Learning How to Listen with the Discovery Orchestra

The Discovery Orchestra, a classical music-focused program, aims to make centuries-old pieces more accessible and approachable to people of all ages.

I LOVE LILY Laura Schenone with Lily, the rescued Irish greyhound mix that spurred her to write about the breed’s plight and the women working to save them.

A Quest to Save the Greyhound

Montclair writer Laura Schenone’s latest book chronicles the life of Marion Fitzgibbon, who ran the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Recent exhibits at Gateway Project Spaces showcased work by painter Nina Chanel Abney.

Engaging Art Excels at the Gateway Project Spaces

The Gateway Project turned what was once a Newark architectural firm’s office into an exhibition space and an artists’ residency program.

A Good Start for New Jersey’s Children

New initiative aims to raise awareness of the physical and emotional needs of toddlers.

Obie and Indy, the couple’s King Charles Spaniels, find a sunny corner in the master bedroom.

A Traditional Farmhouse Goes Modern in South Jersey

New owners transform a rustic barn into a sleek showcase home.

High-Brow Grooming

A beauty stylist makes her mark with semipermanent brows.

Amazing Shopping Finds At RealReal.com

Luxury items at discount prices? Yes, please! The only problem with therealreal.com, one of our favorite designer consignment sites, is that you’re bound to become addicted—especially since their Secaucus warehouse enables next-day deliveries.

Be Our Guest. It’s Holiday Visitors Season

Ready your guest bedroom with hotel-style creature comforts.

Over The Top Overnights

Tips to make your guests feel at home.

The Suburbs are Wild About Turkeys

They peck at cars. They crash through windows. They poop on lawns. What’s not to like?