HRT - Hormone Replacement Therapy in Paterson, NJ

Unlock a More Youthful You With Hormone Replacemment Therapy In Paterson, NJ

Aging is inevitable, and for many, it signals the beginning of a new chapter - one where you cross off bucket list items and live life to the fullest, on your own terms. However, for some women, aging is a horrible prospect, filled with chronic fatigue, irritability, and inability to perform in the bedroom. If you're concerned about life in middle age and beyond, we've got great news: there are easy, proven steps that you can take to help stop the negative effect of aging.

Global Life Rejuvenation was founded to give women a new lease on life - one that includes less body fat, fewer mood swings, and more energy as you age. If you're ready to look and feel younger, it's time to consider HRT (hormone replacement therapy), and growth hormone peptides. These therapies for men and women are effective, safe, and customized to fit your goals, so you can keep loving life as you get older.

HRT, and growth hormone peptide therapies bridge the gap between your old life and the more vibrant, happier version of you. With a simple click or call, you can be well on your way to a brighter future. After all, you deserve to be the one in charge of your wellness and health. Now, you have the tools to do so - backed by science and applied by our team of HRT experts with more than 13 years of experience.

What is HRT?

As women age, their hormones begin to go through changes that affect their day-to-day lives. For women, hormone deficiency and imbalance usually occur during menopause and can cause chronic fatigue, hot flashes, and mood swings, among other issues. Hormone replacement therapy helps correct hormone imbalances in women, helping them feel more vibrant and virile as they age.

Often, HRT treatments give patients enhanced quality of life that they didn't think was possible - even in their 60's and beyond.

The benefits for women are numerous and are available today through Global Life Rejuvenation.

HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

Unlock A More Youthful You With Hormone Replacement Therapy In Paterson, NJ
HRT and Anti-Aging Medicine for Women
Common Issues for Women During Menopause
Is HRT for Women the Right Answer?
Reverse Aging with Growth Hormone Peptides
Your New, Youthful Lease on Life with HRT for Women

HRT and Anti-Aging Medicine for Women in Paterson, NJ

As women age, their bodies begin to go through significant changes that affect their quality of life. This change is called menopause and marks the end of a woman's menstrual cycle and reproduction ability. Though there is no specific age when this change occurs, the average age of menopause onset is 51 years old. However, according to doctors, menopause officially starts 12 months after a woman's final period. During the transition to menopause, women's estrogen and other hormones begin to deplete.

As that happens, many women experience severe symptoms. These symptoms include:

Hot Flashes
Chronic Fatigue
Incontinence
Trouble Sleeping

Dryness
Muscle Loss
Fat Gain
Mood Swings

The symptoms of hormone deficiency can be concerning and scary for both women and their spouses. However, if you're getting older and notice some of these symptoms, there is reason to be hopeful. Hormone replacement therapy and anti-aging medicine for women can correct imbalances that happen during menopause. These safe, effective treatments leave you feeling younger, healthier, and more vibrant.

What Causes Menopause?

The most common reason for menopause is the natural decline in a female's reproductive hormones. However, menopause can also result from the following situations:

Oophorectomy: This surgery, which removes a woman's ovaries, causes immediate menopause. Symptoms and signs of menopause in this situation can be severe, as the hormonal changes happen abruptly.

Chemotherapy: Cancer treatments like chemotherapy can induce menopause quickly, causing symptoms to appear shortly after or even during treatment.

Ovarian Insufficiency: Also called premature ovarian failure, this condition is essentially premature menopause. It happens when a woman's ovaries quit functioning before the age of 40 and can stem from genetic factors and disease. Only 1% of women suffer from premature menopause, but HRT can help protect the heart, brain, and bones.

Common Issues for Women During Menopause

For many women, menopause is a trying time that can be filled with many hormonal hurdles to jump through. A little knowledge can go a long way, whether you're going through menopause now or are approaching "that" age.

Here are some of the most common issues that women experience during menopause:

Depression

If you're a woman going through menopause and find that you have become increasingly depressed, you're not alone. It's estimated that 15% of women experience depression to some degree while going through menopause. What many women don't know is that depression can start during perimenopause, or the years leading up to menopause.

Depression can be hard to diagnose, especially during perimenopause and menopause. However, if you notice the following signs, it might be time to speak with a physician:

Mood Swings
Inappropriate Guilt
Chronic Fatigue
Too Much or Too Little Sleep
Lack of Interest in Life
Overwhelming Feelings

Remember, if you're experiencing depression, you're not weak or broken - you're going through a very regular emotional experience. The good news is that with proper treatment from your doctor, depression isn't a death sentence. And with HRT and anti-aging treatment for women, depression could be the catalyst you need to enjoy a new lease on life.

Hot Flashes

Hot flashes - they're one of the most well-known symptoms of menopause. Hot flashes are intense, sudden feelings of heat across a woman's upper body. Some last second, while others last minutes, making them incredibly inconvenient and uncomfortable for most women.

Symptoms of hot flashes include:

Sudden, Overwhelming Feeling of Heat
Anxiety
High Heart Rate
Headache
Nausea
Dizziness

Typically, hot flashes are caused by a lack of estrogen. Low estrogen levels negatively affect a woman's hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls body temperature and appetite. Low estrogen levels cause the hypothalamus to incorrectly assume the body is too hot, dilating blood vessels to increase blood flow. Luckily, most women don't have to settle for the uncomfortable feelings that hot flashes cause. HRT treatments for women often stabilize hormones, lessening the effects of hot flashes and menopause in general.

Mood Swings

Mood swings are common occurrences for most people - quick shifts from happy to angry and back again, triggered by a specific event. And while many people experience mood swings, they are particularly common for women going through menopause. That's because, during menopause, the female's hormones are often imbalanced. Hormone imbalances and mood swings go hand-in-hand, resulting in frequent mood changes and even symptoms like insomnia.

The rate of production of estrogen, a hormone that fluctuates during menopause, largely determines the rate of production the hormone serotonin, which regulates mood, causing mood swings.

Luckily, HRT and anti-aging treatments in Paterson, NJ for women work wonders for mood swings by regulating hormone levels like estrogen. With normal hormone levels, women around the world are now learning that they don't have to settle for mood swings during menopause.

Weight Gain

Staying fit and healthy is hard for anyone living in modern America. However, for women with hormone imbalances during perimenopause or menopause, weight gain is even more serious. Luckily, HRT treatments for women coupled with a physician-led diet can help keep weight in check. But which hormones need to be regulated?

Estrogen: During menopause, estrogen levels are depleted. As such, the body must search for other sources of estrogen. Because estrogen is stored in fat, your body believes it should increase fat production during menopause. Estrogen also plays a big part in insulin resistance, which can make it even harder to lose weight and keep it off.
Progesterone: Progesterone levels are also depleted during menopause. Progesterone depletion causes bloating and water retention, while loss of testosterone limits the body's ability to burn calories.
Ongoing Stress: Stress makes our bodies think that food is hard to come by, putting our bodies in "survival mode". When this happens, cortisol production is altered. When cortisol timing changes, the energy in the bloodstream is diverted toward making fat. With chronic stress, this process repeatedly happens, causing extensive weight gain during menopause.

Low Libido

Lowered sexual desire - three words most men and women hate to hear. Unfortunately, for many women in perimenopausal and menopausal states, it's just a reality of life. Thankfully, today, HRT and anti-aging treatments Paterson, NJ can help women maintain a normal, healthy sex drive. But what causes low libido in women, especially as they get older?

The hormones responsible for low libido in women are progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone.

Progesterone production decreases during perimenopause, causing low sex drive in women. Lower progesterone production can also cause chronic fatigue, weight gain, and other symptoms. On the other hand, lower estrogen levels during menopause lead to vaginal dryness and even vaginal atrophy or loss of muscle tension.

Lastly, testosterone plays a role in lowered libido. And while testosterone is often grouped as a male hormone, it contributes to important health and regulatory functionality in women. A woman's testosterone serves to heighten sexual responses and enhances orgasms. When the ovaries are unable to produce sufficient levels of testosterone, it often results in a lowered sex drive.

Vaginal Dryness

Often uncomfortable and even painful, vaginal dryness is a serious problem for sexually active women. However, like hair loss in males, vaginal dryness is very common - almost 50% of women suffer from it during menopause.

Getting older is just a part of life, but that doesn't mean you have to settle for the side effects. HRT and anti-aging treatments for women correct vaginal dryness by re-balancing estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. When supplemented with diet and healthy living, your vagina's secretions are normalized, causing discomfort to recede.

Fibroids

Uterine fibroids - they're perhaps the least-known symptom of menopause and hormone imbalances in women. That's because these growths on the uterus are often symptom-free. Unfortunately, these growths can be cancerous, presenting a danger for women as they age.

Many women will have fibroids at some point. Because they're symptomless, they're usually found during routine doctor exams. Some women only get one or two, while others may have large clusters of fibroids. Because fibroids are usually caused by hormone imbalances, hysterectomies have been used as a solution, forcing women into early menopause.

Advances in HRT and anti-aging medicine for women give females a safer, non-surgical option without having to experience menopause early. At Global Life Rejuvenation, our expert physicians will implement a customized HRT program to stabilize your hormones and reduce the risk of cancerous fibroid growth.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis symptoms are much like the effects of PMS, and include pelvic pain, fatigue, cramping, and bloating. While doctors aren't entirely sure what causes this painful, uncomfortable condition, most agree that hormones - particularly xenoestrogens - play a factor.

Endometriosis symptoms are much like the effects of PMS and include pelvic pain, fatigue, cramping, and bloating. While doctors aren't entirely sure what causes this painful, uncomfortable condition, most agree that hormones - particularly xenoestrogens - play a factor.

Xenoestrogen is a hormone that is very similar to estrogen. Too much xenoestrogen is thought to stimulate endometrial tissue growth. HRT for women helps balance these hormones and, when used with a custom nutrition program, can provide relief for women across the U.S.

Is HRT for Women the Right Answer?

Hormone stability is imperative for a healthy sex drive and for a normal, stress-free life during menopause. HRT and anti-aging treatments for women balance the hormones that your body has altered due to perimenopause or menopause.

HRT for women is a revolutionary step in helping women live their best lives, even as they grow older. However, at Global Life Rejuvenation, we know that no two patients are the same. That's why we specialize in holistic treatments that utilize HRT, combined with healthy nutrition, supplements, and fitness plans that maximize hormone replacement treatments.

If you've been suffering through menopause, is HRT the answer? That's hard to say without an examination by a trusted physician, but one thing's for sure. When a woman balances her hormone levels, she has a much better shot at living a regular life with limited depression, weight gain, mood swings, and hot flashes.

Here are just a few additional benefits of HRT and anti-aging treatments for females:

Reverse Aging with Growth Hormone Peptides in Paterson, NJ

Benefits of HRT and Anti-Aging Medicine for Women in Paterson, NJ

Hormone imbalance causes a litany of issues. But with anti-aging treatments for women, females can better process calcium, keep their cholesterol levels safe, and maintain a healthy vagina. By replenishing the body's estrogen supply, HRT can relieve symptoms from menopause and protect against osteoporosis. But that's just the start.

Global Life Rejuvenation's patients report many more benefits of HRT and anti-aging medicine for women:

Fewer Mood Swings
Thicker Hair
Stronger Bones
Less Body Fat
More Energy
More Stamina

Increased Sex Drive and Pleasure Sensations
Better Cognitive Functions
Improved Pain Receptors
Less Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
Lower Triglycerides
Fewer Bladder Infections

If you're ready to feel better, look better, and recapture the vitality of your youth, it's time to contact Global Life Rejuvenation. It all starts with an in-depth consultation, where we will determine if HRT and anti-aging treatments for women are right for you. After all, every patient's body and hormone levels are different. Since all our treatment options are personalized, we do not have a single threshold for treatment. Instead, we look at our patient's hormone levels and analyze them on a case-by-case basis.

HRT from Global Life Rejuvenation

At Global Life Rejuvenation, we help women rediscover their youth with HRT treatment for women. We like to think of ourselves as an anti-aging concierge service, guiding and connecting our patients to the most qualified HRT physicians available. With customized HRT treatment plan for women, our patients experience fewer menopausal symptoms, less perimenopause & menopause depression, and often enjoy a more youth-like appearance.

Reverse Aging with Growth Hormone Peptides

Growth hormone peptides are an innovative therapy that boosts the natural human growth hormone production in a person's body. These exciting treatment options help slow down the aging process and give you a chance at restoring your youth.

What is Sermorelin?

Sermorelin is a synthetic hormone peptide, like GHRH, which triggers the release of growth hormones. When used under the care of a qualified physician, Sermorelin can help you lose weight, increase your energy levels, and help you feel much younger.

Benefits of Sermorelin

Human growth hormone (HGH) therapy has been used for years to treat hormone deficiencies. Unlike HGH, which directly replaces declining human growth hormone levels, Sermorelin addresses the underlying cause of decreased HGH, stimulating the pituitary gland naturally. This approach keeps the mechanisms of growth hormone production active.

Benefits of Sermorelin include:
Better Immune Function
Improved Physical Performance
More Growth Hormone Production
Less Body Fat
Build More Lean Muscle
Better Sleep

What is Ipamorelin?

Ipamorelin helps to release growth hormones in a person's body by mimicking a peptide called ghrelin. Ghrelin is one of three hormones which work together to regulate the growth hormone levels released by the pituitary gland. Because Ipamorelin stimulates the body to produce growth hormone, your body won't stop its natural growth hormone production, which occurs with synthetic HGH.

Ipamorelin causes growth hormone secretion that resembles natural release patterns rather than being constantly elevated from HGH. Because ipamorelin stimulates the natural production of growth hormone, our patients can use this treatment long-term with fewer health risks.

Benefits of Ipamorelin

One of the biggest benefits of Ipamorelin is that it provides significant short and long-term benefits in age management therapies. Ipamorelin can boost a patient's overall health, wellbeing, and outlook on life.

When there is an increased concentration of growth hormone by the pituitary gland, there are positive benefits to the body. Some benefits include:

Powerful Anti-Aging Properties
More Muscle Mass
Less Unsightly Body Fat
Deep, Restful Sleep
Increased Athletic Performance
More Energy
Less Recovery Time for Training Sessions and Injuries
Enhanced Overall Wellness and Health
No Significant Increase in Cortisol

Your New, Youthful Lease on Life with HRT for Women

Whether you are considering our HRT and anti-aging treatments for women in Paterson, NJ, we are here to help. The first step to reclaiming your life begins by contacting Global Life Rejuvenation. Our friendly, knowledgeable HRT experts can help answer your questions and walk you through our procedures. From there, we'll figure out which treatments are right for you. Before you know it, you'll be well on your way to looking and feeling better than you have in years!

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Paterson Celebrates Grand Opening of Inclusive Playground at Eastside Park

PreviousNextGetting your Trinity Audio player ready... By Gabriella DragonePublished November 6, 2024 at 3:47 PMPATERSON, NJ - Paterson’s newest inclusive playground officially opened on Wednesday at Eastside Park. This renovation project, valued at over $500,000, brings new, modern equipment and upgraded surfacing to ensure a safe and welcoming space for children of all abilities...

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By Gabriella Dragone

Published November 6, 2024 at 3:47 PM

PATERSON, NJ - Paterson’s newest inclusive playground officially opened on Wednesday at Eastside Park. This renovation project, valued at over $500,000, brings new, modern equipment and upgraded surfacing to ensure a safe and welcoming space for children of all abilities. The playground’s debut is a testament to the city’s commitment to creating accessible recreational spaces for all Paterson residents, particularly for children with special needs, officials said.

“We are committed to ensuring that all Paterson families, especially our children, have the best places to play," Mayor Andre Sayegh said. "Access to quality parks and playgrounds is essential for any community, and we’re doing our part to keep our children active and healthy.”

The celebration highlighted not only the playground but also the city's investment in Eastside Park’s comprehensive improvements, which include resurfaced roads, a pedestrian pathway, and renovated tennis courts. Among the attendees was Assemblyman and Division of Recreation Director, Benjie Wimberly, who noted the park’s long-standing value to Paterson families, sharing memories of his own children’s experiences there.

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Over the past six years, Paterson has expanded its accessibility initiatives, adding six inclusive playgrounds across the city. This progress means that families no longer need to travel outside Paterson for accessible play spaces, as playgrounds within city limits now accommodate children with diverse needs.

Representatives from the Paterson Rotary Club, which originally helped establish the playground two decades ago, were also present to celebrate. Former Rotary President Jamie Dykes spoke on the club’s dedication to Paterson’s youth, reflecting on the vision of a place where children could escape the concrete and asphalt for a safe and vibrant play area.

“Twenty years ago, as president of the Paterson Rotary Club, I was proud to help dedicate this park to Paterson’s children,” Dykes said. "Too many kids only had concrete and asphalt outside their homes, so we wanted to create a space where they could enjoy fresh air and just be kids. With over a million dollars raised, we built this playground to be a safe, welcoming place. I’m grateful to the mayor and council for honoring their commitment to maintain and now update this facility for a new generation of children."

Paterson BOE Candidate: Erica Plaza

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By Gabriella DragoneOccupation: School AdministratorPersonal background:**_Erica Plaza is a devoted parent, passionate educator, and committed community advocate. With a rich background in education and a deep-rooted commitment to the community, Erica brings a wealth of experience and insight to her campaign and promises to be a trans...

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By Gabriella Dragone

Occupation: School Administrator

Personal background:

**_Erica Plaza is a devoted parent, passionate educator, and committed community advocate. With a rich background in education and a deep-rooted commitment to the community, Erica brings a wealth of experience and insight to her campaign and promises to be a transformative leader for the Paterson school district._**

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**_As an experienced educator, Erica has spent over a decade in the field, where she has successfully collaborated with fellow educators to enhance the learning environment for students. Her work in schools has always been guided by the belief that every child deserves access to a high-quality education that nurtures their unique talents and abilities. Erica's hands-on experience in and out of the classroom has given her a comprehensive understanding of the challenges teachers face, enabling her to be an effective advocate for educators and students alike._**

Past and Current Involvement in the Paterson Public Schools:

Worked at the following schools:

School 2: 2007 -2009

School 13: 2009 - 2011

School 2: 2012 - 2020

Community Charter School of Paterson: 2020-present

Public service background:

**_Erica has been an active community advocate in Paterson. Through her work at the New Jersey Community Development Corporation (NJCDC) and the Paterson Art Exchange (PAX), Erica has led initiatives to create outlets for expression, creativity, and learning, recognizing that a well-rounded education extends beyond traditional academics. As a dedicated committee member of the Puerto Rican Day Parade, Erica has worked tirelessly to celebrate and uplift Puerto Rican culture and heritage. She has been instrumental in developing events that not only showcase the vibrant traditions and history of Puerto Rico but also provide community members with opportunities to explore their passions, develop new skills, and express themselves creatively. Through her efforts, Erica strives to honor her cultural roots and inspire others to take pride in their heritage._**

Reason for running:

**_As a lifelong resident of Paterson, Erica Plaza is deeply invested in the success and well-being of her community. If elected as Commissioner, Erica is committed to bringing her vision of a vibrant, equitable, and inclusive educational system to life, ensuring that every student in Paterson has the opportunity to thrive._**

**_With Erica Plaza on the Paterson Board of Education, residents can expect a dedicated leader who will tirelessly advocate for the needs of students, families, and educators, working to create a brighter future for the entire community._**

Candidate's biggest issue:

Erica will prioritize several key issues, including addressing educational equity, ensuring that all students have access to quality education, resources, and opportunities, regardless of their background or zip code. Erica will focus on:

1. Equitable Funding: Advocating for fair distribution of resources to underfunded schools.

2. Curriculum Inclusivity: Ensuring the curriculum reflects diverse perspectives and histories.

3. Support for Disadvantaged Students: Implementing programs that support students with disabilities, English language learners, and those facing economic hardships.

4. Mental Health Resources: Prioritizing mental health support and counseling services for students.

5. Community Engagement: Involving parents and community members in decision- making processes to better reflect local needs.

By focusing on these areas, Erica will help create a more inclusive and effective educational environment for all students.

Campaign slogan and meaning:

Every Child Matters

Approach to budget cuts and spending:

Erica anticipates coping with cuts in state aid to the local school district by focusing on several strategic approaches:

1. Budget Prioritization: Assessing and prioritizing essential programs and services to ensure that the most critical needs are met even with reduced funding.

2. Diversifying Funding Sources: Actively seeking alternative funding through grants, partnerships with local businesses, and community fundraising initiatives to supplement state aid.

3. Community Engagement: Involving parents, community members, and local

organizations in discussions about funding challenges and potential solutions to foster collective support.

4. Efficiency Measures: Identifying areas where efficiencies can be gained, such as reducing administrative costs or streamlining operations, to preserve funding for classroom instruction.

5. Advocacy: Engaging in advocacy efforts at the state level to address funding inequities and push for increased support for public education.

6. Transparent Communication: Keeping the community informed about funding challenges and the impact on schools, which can help garner support for budgetary decisions.

Additional information about candidate:

**_Being a single parent of three sons has further fueled Erica's dedication to education. As a mother, she understands the importance of parental involvement in a child's education and is committed to fostering stronger connections between schools and families. Her experience navigating the school system as a parent has equipped her with valuable insights into the needs and concerns of parents and students, making her a strong voice for families in the community._**

The template and supplemental resources for this voter guide were developed in collaboration with the Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University.

All candidates were contacted for their responses. The information is presented exactly as the responses were received.

Voter Guide: 2024 Paterson Board of Education

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Passaic County News

By GABRIELLA DRAGONE

October 29, 2024

PASSAIC, NJ - Passaic County has announced the upcoming launch of its micro-transit ...

Moody’s puts Paterson finances ‘under review’ over late audit

2-minute read0:001:22PATERSON — Moody’s has placed Paterson’s finances “under review” because of the city’s delinquent 2022 audit, officials said.Paterson was one of 37 local governments around the country that the credit rating group put on review “due to insufficient information” on their finances. Moody’s ratings affect the interest rates that local governments get when they borrow money.“If the information is not received over the next 60 to...

2-minute read

PATERSON — Moody’s has placed Paterson’s finances “under review” because of the city’s delinquent 2022 audit, officials said.

Paterson was one of 37 local governments around the country that the credit rating group put on review “due to insufficient information” on their finances. Moody’s ratings affect the interest rates that local governments get when they borrow money.

“If the information is not received over the next 60 to 90 days, we will take appropriate rating action, which could include the withdrawal of the issuers' ratings,” Moody’s said in a press release.

Among the other places under review by Moody’s are Hyde Park, Deerfield, and East Fishkill in New York; Starkville, Mississippi; Manhattan, Kansas; and Paris, Texas. Only one other local government from New Jersey was on Moody’s list: Tabernacle Township in Burlington County.

Members of Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh’s administration said the move will not affect the city’s day-to-day finances or its ability to borrow money.

“It’s literally just a timing issue,” city Business Administrator Kathleen Long said about the delinquent 2022 audit.

She said the COVID-19 pandemic knocked Paterson off schedule for its 2021 audit and there was a ripple effect that delayed the 2022 financial analysis as well.

Long said city auditors have completed a draft of the 2022 audit and she expected the Sayegh administration would seek City Council approval of the audit soon.

Council members express concern

Some members of the governing body were not happy about Moody’s putting Paterson under review. Councilman Shahin Khalique called it “deeply concerning.”

“It reflects a lack of confidence in our fiscal management and is simply unacceptable for our community,” Khalique said. “We must demand better accountability and transparency to protect Paterson's financial future."

Just five months ago, Moody’s upgraded Paterson’s credit rating to Baa3, which indicates moderate risk. At the time, Sayegh called the upgrade “a pivotal moment for Paterson.” Even after the upgrade, the city’s credit ratings remained so low that municipal officials conducted all borrowing through the Passaic County Improvement Authority to get lower interest rates.

Minutes before the mayor’s State of the City speech on Thursday, Paterson Press asked Sayegh about the Moody’s decision to place the city under review. He referred questions to his staff.

The overdue city audit also prompted the New Jersey Health Department to freeze some Paterson grants, including funding for childhood lead prevention programs. City officials said the freeze was lifted earlier this year.

Paterson's best hope for boxing glory is Erik Mendez, a 19-year-old airport worker

Erik Mendez’s day looks like this.Rise in the middle of the night for his job at the airport where he helps disabled passengers navigate the terminals. In the early afternoon, he heads home and works out on his own before putting in some hours at Ike & Randy’s with the heavy and speed bags, rope skipping, one-on-one with Ossie Duran or another trainer, maybe some rounds of sparring.He heads home, eats, and heads to bed around 8 p.m. before repeating.A recent Instagram post saw him doing dip...

Erik Mendez’s day looks like this.

Rise in the middle of the night for his job at the airport where he helps disabled passengers navigate the terminals. In the early afternoon, he heads home and works out on his own before putting in some hours at Ike & Randy’s with the heavy and speed bags, rope skipping, one-on-one with Ossie Duran or another trainer, maybe some rounds of sparring.

He heads home, eats, and heads to bed around 8 p.m. before repeating.

A recent Instagram post saw him doing dips on two cafeteria chairs at 5 a.m. during a break at work.

“All the coaches help me out,” he explains, and his affinity for the place, the people, and the process is impossible not to hear. “I talk to them. They keep me off the streets. The trainers help me out one way or the other.”

His folks are supportive, he says, as is his girlfriend, Joshlyn, the mother of his daughter, Isabella. His father has been to the gym to check It out.

Ken De Berry, a trainer who also runs the finances for the gym, says Mendez came on strong when he first arrived, winning his first five fights all by knockout. He had trouble getting opponents once word got out.

“Erik has heart. And a great jab,” De Berry said.

“He’s got talent. He listens. He learns and he executes,” gym owner Phil Shevack said. “He learns right away and makes adjustments right away. If he is in with a boxer, he’ll box. If he is in with a puncher, he’ll punch.

“You tell him something once, it’s ingrained,” Shevack said, tapping his temple for emphasis.

With Mendez’s busy schedule siphoning off valuable training time, Shevack recently declared Mendez was not in fighting shape yet. Still, he matched him up with a younger but more experienced fighter from Newark, Ramon Ordonez, who is trained by his ex-boxer father and has about 50 fights under his belt.

Trainer Ron Bacote, aka Rasul, and Duran tag team Mendez’s coaching from the corner.

“Stepping in,” Rasul barks. ’There you go. Back him up with a jab.”

By the sixth, three-minute round, Shevack joins the coaching, and more gym goers crowd ringside as the action intensifies. Ordonez is grunting with his punches. The human eye can’t record the flurry of punches.

“Behind the jab,” Shevack shouts. “Behind the jab.”

The action electrifies the gym and a litany of other young fighters glue their eyes to the bout.

Mendez was 14 when some friends mentioned the gym. “They introduced me to boxing and I said, “Wait, I get to punch people in the face with gloves?' "

Mendez was 9-0 when he suffered his first loss. Then his girlfriend got pregnant, he left the gym, but he stayed with the training on his own. De Berry and Shevack acknowledged his disappearance, and his determination. Mendez soon returned and won his next two fights.

“I had to get settled with the baby – then there was a car crash – there are always little setbacks. That’s life,” he said, hinting at a wisdom beyond his years. “Now, I’m in the best shape of my life. I am ready for the next level of competition.

His quest for pro status drives him. As does his will to provide for his new family. His parents checked out the gym and his mother even worked out there for a few weeks.

“I took her on runs at night,” he smiles. “Some of my friends are out partying and having fun. That is not my path. I can't be hanging around rappers and artists if I want to be a professional boxer. That’s a different world. Everybody has to do it their way. “

He understands the role the gym plays in his life and the lives of others.

“Kids would rather be here and doing something positive,” he said. “You have to get in here and stay away from the streets. Choices. It’s about choices. And I am still making them.

“You can’t have one foot in the streets and one out. You gotta be committed to something.”

He philosophizes in a bit of Muhammed Ali style while he snaps punches: “Skills pays the bills.”

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