TRT - Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Alpha, NJ

He became an involuntary vegan.

A New Jersey man is now allergic to red meat after getting bitten by an invasive species of tick — which has left him unable to consume steak, pork or even dairy products without suffering a serious reaction.

“It just flipped everything — turned my life upside down completely,” Craig Smith, 62, told NJ.com of his unwilling conversion to vegetarianism. “You get so frustrated. Food becomes an enemy to you.”

The Cream Ridge retiree specifically suffers from Alpha-gal syndrome, a potentially life-threatening allergy that triggers an immune reaction to a sugar molecule (carbohydrate galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose) found in meat, per the National Institutes of Health.

This insidious condition — diagnoses of which multiplied six-fold between 2011 and 2018 in the US — is spread via the saliva of the lone star tick, an invasive species of bloodsucker named for the distinctive dot on its back.

Originally hailing from the southern US, this voracious species has become increasingly common throughout the northeast as well, which experts attribute to warming temperatures.

AGS symptoms generally occur two to six hours after eating meat or dairy products and include hives, difficulty breathing, facial swelling and, most seriously, anaphylaxis — a potentially fatal reaction incorporating all of the above symptoms and more, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which can only be treated with an injection of epinephrine and a trip to the emergency room.

Smith’s unfortunate saga began all the way back in the spring of last year after he woke up in the middle of the night with painful rashes all over his body.

“You’re itching all over,” explained the frightened New Jersyite, who said some of the welts were the size of dinner plates. “You’re like: What the heck is going on?”

Alarmed, Smith turned to doctors and allergists, but neither were able to definitively diagnose his condition.

They prescribed to him a regimen of steroids, which provided temporary relief from the rashes — only for them to return as soon as his prescription ended.

“As soon as the steroids ran out — boom,” said Smith, who, along with his wife Liz, 66, spent the next few months searching for answers to no avail.

Then, a doctor finally suggested that he might have alpha-gal syndrome.

That’s when the former laborer remembered that he’d been helping his daughter fell trees at her Monmouth property in January and February of last year, which he surmised could’ve been when he got bitten.

A subsequent battery of blood tests confirmed the doctor’s suspicion.

From that point on, Smith was forced to do a dietary overhaul, swapping out beef, pork, lamb and other red meats, as well as dairy, for vegetables, which the alleged picky eater never touched growing up.

This adjustment “devastated” the self-proclaimed “carnivore” and pulled pork lover, who used to love to fire up his meat smoker during backyard barbecues.

“Food is like one of your — I mean, it’s life,” lamented Smith, who can’t eat any of the aforementioned sans falling ill.

And while the poor fellow can still consume chicken, turkey and fish, he says he hates being in “such a narrow food lane.”

And meat isn’t the only source of the AGS trigger.

Smith’s blood pressure medication reportedly also contains an animal product-based ingredient with the culprit carb, which prompted him to cease taking it for about a week as he was tired of being sick.

However, the patient said doctors forced him to go back on it as they deemed it “more of a risk to not take the blood pressure medication” despite the egregious side effects.

Smith said the ordeal has even affected his relationship with Liz, who he finally married in 2016 after 35 years together.

“The food, the medicine — when you compile all that together, and then it’s affecting my marriage,” the union man despaired. “It’s affecting my wife.”

And while doctors said the Alpha-gal should disappear within a year, it’s now been over 12 months, and Smith’s meat allergy has shown no signs of abating.

Not only that but there is currently no cure for the disease, which was only discovered over the past two decades. “It was sad,” Smith’s wife Liz rued. “He didn’t get the help he needed.”

Unfortunately, there has been a massive uptick in Alpha-gal cases of late.

While in 2009, there were only two dozen or so cases in the United States; now there are over 34,000 that scientists know of, according to Dr. Scott Commins, an associate professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Meanwhile, the lone star tick itself has migrated ever northward, notably becoming the most common species in Long Island.

“Between 1994 and today, this tick had thoroughly colonized Long Island,” Jorge Benach, a professor of molecular genetics and microbiology and pathology at Stony Brook University, told The Post. “It is the most abundant tick that we have now.”

What do you think? Post a comment.

The lone star tick is particularly insidious in that, unlike other species, this disease vector actively pursues its mammalian prey.

“Most of the other ticks wait for somebody or an animal to pass by, and they’re on grass,” Benach explained. “The lone star tick is what they call the hunter tick. They will seek you out. So you can be sitting in the grass, and they’ll come to you.

PRINCETON, NJ — If you’ve made a fitness-focused New Year’s resolution, but lack the inspiration, this should help you crush your goals.

Alpha Fit Club (AFC), a boutique fitness studio is all set to open in Princeton on Feb. 18. AFC is owned by Sara Carlesimo of Fanwood and Elizabeth Roseman of Florham Park.

AFC is a group-style fitness program, that tends to have 24 people per class, Carlesimo told Patch. AFC's circuit-style concept features a blend of total body strength training, coupled with high-intensity cardio. Members rotate through six stations in accountability packs of four, challenging themselves for six minutes at each station.

Each station varies between cardio and strength, or a combination of the two, which can be scaled for any fitness level.

AFC was developed keeping in mind individuals who like to develop programs for themselves that yields results.

“Many people walk into an open gym and become very overwhelmed. There are spin classes, body conditioning classes, even workout with a trainer. But it's not consistent enough to lead to results. And it can also cost plenty of extra money, depending on where you're attending, in addition to the general membership fee,” Carlesimo said.

In that sense, AFC is unique. The programming is designed for each individual who can choose to come in once or twice a week, or for six days.

“You get results just from showing up consistently each week. It gives you a dynamic workout, but in a way that's scalable for someone that's either dealing with an injury or pregnancy, to someone who's training for Ironman,” Carlesimo said.

“Unlike other programming, it's a pretty equal split of cardio and strength. Group fitness programs tend to either be way too cardio-heavy or only strength. But this is a nice blend of both, giving your body that different focus to rotate through the stations.”

In December 2022, Carlesimo and Roseman opened a studio at Riverwalk Village on the border of Bridgewater. They decided to open another studio in Princeton as it’s one of the most sought-after locations.

“I think Princeton is just primed for a new fitness studio. The community is active, you have Princeton University and a whole host of businesses here,” Carlesimo said.

AFC will be located at the Princeton Shopping Center, which Carlesimo said is a great place for “foot traffic.”

A lawyer by profession, Carlesimo grew up in New Jersey. “Fitness has always been a huge passion of mine, definitely an outlet during law school and after I had my children, I was carving out time for myself,” she said.

She discovered AFC during the COVID-19 pandemic as it helped her achieve her fitness goals and build a community.

“I’ve always worked for big corporations and running a small business is a skill set I've always wanted to build on. This just seemed like the perfect opportunity,” Carlesimo said.

AFC began VIP presales on Jan. 15. Founding members will receive a discounted first month for $99; founders rate of $150 per month for the remainder of the year; access to VIP classes and VIP merchandise.

Those interested should download the Alpha Fit Club app, select membership and credits, select the Princeton location and purchase the Introductory $99 Monthly Membership.

For more information, click here and here.

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Alpha Fit Club(AFC) Basking Ridge has officially opened in Riverwalk Village on the border of Bridgewater.

The boutique fitness group is owned by Sara Carlesimo of Fanwood and Elizabeth Roseman of Florham Park, who met in a moms' group.

The pair had much in common. They were both mothers of newborns, both attorneys, and both had a passion for fitness. It was only natural for Carlesimo and Roseman to open Alpha Fit Club.

"Fitness has always been a passion and high priority of ours," said Carlesimo and Roseman.

Carlesimo, who is a lawyer and senior manager within the financial services industry, was a two-sport college athlete.

"I learned early on the importance of fitness training, both from a mental and physical standpoint. I carried my dedication and interest in fitness post college, training for triathlons as a release during and after law school," said Carlesimo.

Roseman is an executive compensation attorney that is now responsible for global HR compensation and benefits strategy for a financial services company.

"I’m also a former gymnast, personal trainer and documented super taster that loves food and happy hour," said Roseman. "Love challenging anyone to a walking handstand!"

Both said they wanted "to demonstrate to their children the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and habits, including a consistent fitness routine."

Discussions to open a franchise location with AFC started about a year ago.

"When franchising discussions began last year, it was an immediate yes for us. To dedicate the time, equity, and trust in a business venture, having a mission and program that you believe in is critical. Alpha Fit Club has always been special to us and opening one of the first franchises has afforded us the opportunity to be a part of an exciting growth and expansion of a business that has been such an influential and important part of my life the last couple of years," said Carlesimo and Roseman.

A grand opening of the newly designed 4,000-square-foot studio in Basking Ridge was held this past Saturday. Constructed by Shoreline East Construction Corp, the studio is accompanied by full-service locker rooms, a collaboration space, and juice and snack bar.

This is the first franchise for Carlesimo and Roseman, their second AFC location is set to open in Princeton Shopping Center in February 2023.

Alpha Fit Club is a premier group fitness training program for all fitness levels. The circuit-style concept features a blend of total body strength training, coupled with high-intensity cardio. Members rotate through six stations in accountability packs of four people, challenging themselves for six minutes at each station.

Each station varies between cardio and strength, or a combination of the two, which can be scaled for any fitness level.

Members can access class schedules for booking via the alpha fit club app. More information on memberships, packages and class schedules can be found at alphafitclub.com/locations/basking-ridge or facebook.com/alphafitclub.baskingridge or instagram.com/alphafitclub.baskingridge.

In and around the Lehigh Valley, roadside oddities dot the landscape for those who know where to look. There’s the Big Chair. A lighthouse silo. A space capsule.

The steel dinosaurs in Alpha have a special, endearing story. The T-rex, brachiosaurus, triceratops and caveman were a gift for a shop owner’s grandson. Now, 25 years later, they still stand tall, waiting to delight anyone who happens to find themselves in an industrial park outside Phillipsburg.

Here’s how The Express-Times reported on the dinos’ creation on July 30, 1997:

You wouldn’t think one of the hardest parts about building a 20-foot-tall, 10,000-pound carbon steel dinosaur is finding the proper shade of paint.

It was for G.J. Oliver Inc. The company has been making enormous custom steel products — like storage tanks and pipe columns — for decades.

But a brachiosaur?

“We had to find dinosaur color, that was the hardest part,” said John Oliver, part owner of the family run business.

Since last summer [1996], G.J. Oliver owner George Oliver has been making Jurassic Park out of a patch of grass behind his plant off Industrial Drive in the [Alpha] borough industrial park.

G.J. Oliver workers last year built and installed a carbon steel brachiosaur — long neck and gentle smile — in the plant’s back yard. This summer [1997], they added a steel Tyrannosaurus Rex — big teeth and mean look — to the collection.

Both are about 20 feet tall and 30 feet long, and weigh about 10,000 pounds. Each took more than 450 hours to build.

“We’re a steel fabricator; we build all kinds of things out of steel,” said Elwood “Woody” Houser of Wind Gap, who did the dino-design and construction. “Everything is custom.”

Actually, the dinosaurs are copies. They started with toys.

John Oliver, a Holland Township resident, said his son John Jr., 5, is a dino-maniac. George Oliver decided to build the dinosaurs as a gift to his grandson.

Houser tells the story best.

“My boss said ‘See those steel piers?’” Houser said … pointing toward where the brachiosaur is mounted. “’I want you to build me a dinosaur to fit over those piers.’

“He said, ‘I’ll get you a model.’”

Houser said George Oliver gave him one of John Jr.’s plastic toy dinosaurs and said “Here’s what I want.”

The design was difficult and time-consuming, especially making an anatomically correct neck for the brachiosaur, said Houser, a 23-year veteran of the company.

The result is two works of art, tucked away in a somewhat secluded part of the industrial park. They’re on private property but John Oliver said visitors often park on Avenue A, walk over and look.

“A lot of people come see the things, and we never promote it or anything,” Oliver said. “It’s just word of mouth.

“We don’t mind as long as (visitors) don’t get crazy.” …

This story is part of Lehigh Valley Then, a periodic series that recalls historical headlines from lehighvalleylive.com, The Express-Times and their predecessors from 10, 20, 25, 50 and 100 years ago. Stories are pulled from microfilm at the Easton and Bethlehem area public libraries. The original text is edited for clarity and length.

MORE LEHIGH VALLEY THEN

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Steve Novak may be reached at

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

By Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com

A directory board displays the businesses located in the Alpha Industrial Center, also known as Alpha Industrial Park, in Alpha, Warren County.

Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com

One is Alpha's largest taxpayer, expanding thanks to strengthening U.S. manufacturing.

The other is billed as the world's first fully molecular hydrogen-powered facility, producing environmentally friendly beverages with zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Both of these projects are in Alpha Industrial Park, just off Exit 3 of Interstate 78 in the Warren County borough.

"The Industrial Park since the borough started developing that in the late '50s has been, is, an important part of our tax base in the borough, obviously, and also a job producer for us," Alpha Mayor Craig Dunwell said.

Here is a closer look at the projects:

Metal fabricator expanding

Bihler of America Inc. at 85 Industrial Drive in Alpha seeks approval from the borough land use board Jan. 17, 2018, for a third production facility. The company specializes in metal stamping and assembly for the medical and construction industries.

Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com

Bihler of America Inc., 85 Industrial Drive, is looking to build a third manufacturing facility, slightly smaller than the existing two, production manager Billy Daniels said.

"We're going to build a 100,000-square-foot facility adjacent to the two we have now," he said.

Bihler is scheduled to go before the Alpha Land Use Board on Wednesday for approval. The proposal before the board is for development of a light industrial/manufacturing/warehouse building with access drives, parking, loading docks, utilities, improvements to Industrial Drive and a stormwater management system, including a retention basin.

"We hope to be in there by 2019, end of 2018, beginning of 2019," Daniels said, declining to say how much the projected investment will cost.

Latest investment

Dunwell said Bihler, Alpha's largest taxpayer, has a solid record of investing in its borough property. Around 2010, Bihler added ground- and roof-mounted solar panels to power its production.

"Again it's a vote of confidence in the borough that it's a place they want to do business," Dunwell said of the expansion plan.

Alpha has reciprocated, Dunwell said, including repaving Industrial Drive in 2013 and investing in $4.5 million in water infrastructure borough-wide over the last seven years, plus $1.5 million in sewer collection system upgrades.

MORE: 21 Lehigh Valley employers with the most full-time job openings

The borough is seeking New Jersey Department of Transportation grant funding to reconfigure the acute-angled intersection of Industrial Drive and New Brunswick Avenue (Route 122), and to add a second access road into park, from Edge Road. Having one access road poses a a public safety issue if emergency responders can't get down Industrial Drive, Dunwell said.

60 new positions projected

Bihler specializes in metal stamping and assembly for the medical and construction industries, according to Daniels. Fueling the expansion is an increase in orders, and U.S. manufacturing on the rise, he said.

Daniels said he hopes to run the new facility around the clock, in addition to existing lines that employ three shifts. He expects the expansion to create 60 new positions.

"We're always looking for good people," he said. "We're always looking for experienced machine operators, electricians, maintenance folks."

A 'world's first' in Alpha

This is an artist's rendering of Bev-Graph Packaging International LLC's new facility planned at 910 New Brunswick Ave. in Alpha. The borough land use board granted approval Dec. 13, 2017, for construction of the state-of-the-art green sustainable manufacturing facility, which will produce spring water-based drinks in eco-friendly recyclable soft or recyclable/biodegradable-aluminum packaging, according to the company.

Courtesy image | For lehighvalleylive.com

Alpha officials gave final approval in December to the other Industrial Park project: Bev-Graph Packaging International LLC, which produces its trademarked Kokomo line of spring water-based drinks.

The 100,000-square-foot facility is planned on the former Vargo Bros. Farms along New Brunswick Avenue between Edge Road and Industrial Drive.

It's a groundbreaking facility that will produce "enhanced" beverages using proprietary technology, said Bud Phillips, managing member.

"The company will be breaking ground in Alpha, N.J., this spring 2018 with a target date to be in operation by fall 2018," he said in a statement. "Alpha has welcomed and supported our 'green sustainable manufacturing' project and not only to the benefit of the borough; but our newest technology will impact the region and eventually the entire country."

Kokomo's innovation starts with its power source. According to Dunwell, the facility will use roof- and ground-mounted solar during the day that will also feed power into hydrogen (H2) cells.

"Essentially the hydrogen will act as a battery," he said. "They'll be storing energy in the chemical bonds of the hydrogen molecule."

According to land use board minutes on Bev-Graph testimony from Jack Mosel, an expert in hydrogen production technology and partner in the project, the facility marks the "first time in the world this process will be utilized, citing it's the latest technology in the world, coming to Alpha Borough."

"Produced and consumed onsite, Mr. Mosel reiterated that this would be the world's first fully sustained generator producing its own fuel and own power without any emissions," the minutes state.

The molecular hydrogen, an odorless gas, is to be stored in 40-foot-long containers. The equipment is designed to adhere to the National Fire Protection Code, Mosel testified, and is "the safest fuel."

"Mosel stated that there will be sensors to detect any leaks. If any leakage occurs, the system shuts down automatically, adding that it is the same technology running the International Space Station," the minutes continue.

Hydrogen-infused beverages

Bev-Graph plans to produce spring water-based products with "proprietary H2 and other scientific formulations which are then filled in eco-friendly recyclable soft packaging or recyclable/biodegradable-aluminum," instead of traditional plastic bottles, Phillips stated.

"All products are fully processed in a 'total' carbon-free, sustainable 'green' manufacturing environment." he continued. "The 'green solar' power system is augmented by a 'green' H2 energy system.

MORE: 500K-plus-square-foot distribution center eyed for Bethlehem

"Additionally, (the) plant will offer the most advanced digital print technology which will allow creative variable package messaging in multiple languages as part of its facility.

The driving forces behind the 'Green Love' business model includes multiple years of business development and an extraordinary team of highly experienced principles along with other strategic partnerships on a national level."

Phillips said he expects to employ up to 50 people over the company's "ramp-up period," with high-tech jobs and general manufacturing opportunities.

"It's all going to be regional hiring first," Phillips said.