TRT - Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Short Hills, NJ
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Unlock a More Youthful You With Testosterone Replacement Therapy In Short Hills, 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 men, 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 men 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 TRT (testosterone replacement therapy), and growth hormone peptides. These therapies for men are effective, safe, and customized to fit your goals, so you can keep loving life as you get older.
TRT, 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 TRT and HRT experts with more than 13 years of experience.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
- Unlock A More Youthful You With Testosterone Replacement Therapy In Short Hills, NJ
- TRT and Anti-Aging Medicine for Men
- Common Symptoms of Low Testosterone
- Benefits of TRT and Anti-Aging Medicine for Men
- Fight Back Against Male Menopause
- Reverse Aging with Growth Hormone Peptides in Short Hills, NJ
- Your New, Youthful Lease on Life Starts Here
TRT and Anti-Aging Medicine for Men in Short Hills, NJ
For men, getting older comes with its perks, like living life on their own terms and not having to "sweat the small stuff" day in and day out. At the same time, there are aspects of aging that men dread, like hormonal changes. Yes, you read that right – men, not just women, go through hormonal changes as they age. For men, the biggest change involves a drop in testosterone.
Lower levels of testosterone can wreak havoc on a male's mind and body and when left untreated, can result in symptoms like:
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Depression
- Irritability
- Low Sex Drive
- Hair Loss
- Less Muscle Mass
- Problems Concentrating
Those symptoms are concerning, but with testosterone replacement therapy and anti-aging medicine, many males improve their quality of life with age. The good news is that TRT and anti-aging meds aren't only reserved for "old guys." In fact, there's no magic age at which men should start thinking about hormone replacement therapy. Everyone's body is different, so if you're experiencing the above conditions in your mid-30s, TRT could be a viable solution when you consult with a doctor.
What is Testosterone?
Testosterone is a crucial hormone for men and plays an important role throughout the male lifespan. Most of a male's testosterone is produced through the testicles. Also called the male sex hormone, testosterone starts playing its part during puberty.
When a male goes through puberty, testosterone helps males develop:
- Facial Hair
- Body Hair
- Deeper Voice
- Muscle Strength
- Increased Libido
- Muscle Density
As boys turn to men and men grow older, testosterone levels deplete naturally. Sometimes, events like injuries and chronic health conditions like diabetes can lower testosterone levels. Unfortunately, when a man loses too much T, it results in hypogonadism. When this happens, the testosterone must be replaced, or the male will suffer from symptoms like muscle loss, low libido, and even depression.
How Does TRT Work?
TRT is exactly what it sounds like: a treatment option for men that replaces testosterone so that your body regulates hormones properly and restores balance to your life. Also called androgen replacement therapy, TRT alleviates the symptoms that men experience with low T.
Originally lab-synthesized in 1935, testosterone has grown in popularity since it was produced. Today, TRT and other testosterone treatments are among the most popular prescriptions in the U.S.
Without getting too deep into the science, TRT works by giving your body the essential testosterone it needs to function correctly. As the primary androgen for both males and females, testosterone impacts many of the body's natural processes – especially those needed for overall health. For example, men with low T are more prone to serious problems like cardiovascular disease and even type-2 diabetes.
When your body quits making enough testosterone, it causes your health to suffer until a solution is presented. That's where TRT and anti-aging medicine for men can help. TRT helps balance your hormones and replenish your depleted testosterone. With time, your body will begin to heal, and many symptoms like low libido and irritability begin to diminish.
What Causes Low T?
For men, aging is the biggest contributor to lower testosterone levels, though there are other causes like obesity, drug abuse, testicular injuries, and certain prescribed medications. Sometimes, long-term health conditions like AIDS, cirrhosis of the liver, and kidney disease can lower testosterone levels.
When a man's testosterone levels drop significantly, it alters his body's ratio of estrogen and testosterone. Lower testosterone levels cause more abdominal fat, which in turn results in increased aromatase, which converts even more testosterone into estrogen.
If you're concerned that you might have low T, you're not alone. Millions of men in the U.S. feel the same way. The best way to find out if your testosterone is low is to get your levels tested.
For sustainable testosterone replacement therapy benefits, you must consult with hormone doctors and experts like those you can find at Global Life Rejuvenation. That way, you can find the root cause of your hormone problems, and our team can craft a personalized HRT plan tailored to your needs.
Common Symptoms of Low Testosterone
Are you used to blasting through a productive day and accomplishing all your daily goals? Do you find yourself losing muscle mass and the craving to be intimate with your partner? Does your partner complain about how irritable you have become? If you're not usually a curmudgeon, your body could be giving you a sign. It could be time to speak with a doctor about TRT and anti-aging medicine for men in Short Hills, NJ.
If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, you might be battling against low testosterone:
Low Sex Drive
One of the most common reasons that men choose TRT is because they have lost that "spark" with their partner. It's not easy for a man to hear that they're not performing like they used to. Intimacy is a powerful part of any relationship. When a once-healthy sex life dwindles, it can cause serious relationship issues.
The good news is that low libido doesn't have to be a permanent problem. TRT and anti-aging medicines help revert hormone levels back into their normal range. When this happens, many men have a more enjoyable life full of intimacy and sex drive.
Inability to Achieve and Maintain an Erection
Weak erections – it's an uncomfortable subject for many men in the U.S. to talk about. It's even worse to experience first-hand. You're in the midst of an intimate moment, and you can't do your part. Despite being perfectly normal, many men put blame and shame upon themselves when they can't achieve an erection. And while the inability to perform sexually can be caused by poor diet, obesity, and chronic health conditions, low testosterone is often a contributing factor.
Fortunately, weak erections are a treatable condition. The best way to regain your confidence and ability in bed is to speak with your doctor. Once any underlying conditions are discovered, options like TRT may be the best course of treatment.
Hair Loss
Loss of Strength and Muscle Mass
Do you find it harder and harder to work out and lift weights in the gym? Are you having problems lifting heavy items that you once had no problem lifting?
Recent studies show that when men are inactive, they lose .5% of muscle strength every year, from ages 25 to 60. After 60, muscle loss doubles every decade. While some muscle loss is common as men age, a significant portion can be tied to low testosterone levels. When a man's T levels drop, so does his muscle mass.
Testosterone is a much-needed component used in gaining and retaining muscle mass. That's why many doctors prescribe TRT Short Hills, NJ, for men having problems with strength. One recent study found that men who increased their testosterone levels using TRT gained as much as 2.5 pounds of muscle mass.
Whether your gym performance is lacking, or you can't lift heavy items like you used to, don't blame it all on age. You could be suffering from hypogonadism.
Hair Loss
If you're like millions of other men in their late 20s and 30s, dealing with hair loss is a reality you don't want to face. Closely related to testosterone decline and hormone imbalances, hair loss is distressing for many men. This common symptom is often related to a derivative of testosterone called DHT. Excess amounts of DHT cause hair follicles to halt their production, causing follicles to die.
Because hair located at the front and crown is more sensitive to DHT, it grows slower than other follicles and eventually stops growing permanently. Thankfully, TRT and anti-aging treatments for men in Short Hills, NJ, is now available to address hair loss for good.
While it's true that you can't change your genes, you can change the effects of low testosterone on your body. Whether you're suffering from thinning hair or hair loss across your entire head, TRT and other hormone therapies can stop hair loss and even reverse the process.
Gynecomastia
Also called "man boobs," gynecomastia is essentially the enlargement of male breast tissue. This increase in fatty tissue is often caused by hormonal imbalances and an increase in estrogen. For men, estrogen levels are elevated during andropause. Also called male menopause, andropause usually happens because of a lack of testosterone.
If you're a man between the ages of 40 and 55, and you're embarrassed by having large breasts, don't lose hope. TRT is a safe, effective way to eliminate the underlying cause of gynecomastia without invasive surgery. With a custom HRT and fitness program, you can bring your testosterone and estrogen levels back to normal before you know it.
Decreased Energy
Decreased energy was once considered a normal part of aging. Today, many doctors know better. Advances in technology and our understanding of testosterone show that low T and lack of energy often go hand-in-hand.
If you're struggling to enjoy activities like playing with your kids or hiking in a park due to lack of energy, it could be a sign of low T. Of course, getting tired is perfectly normal for any man. But if you're suffering from continual fatigue, a lack of enjoyment, or a decrease in energy, it might be time to speak with a doctor.
Whether you're having a tough time getting through your day or can't finish activities you used to love, TRT could help.
Lack of Sleep
A study from 2011 showed that men who lose a week's worth of sleep can experience lowered testosterone levels – as much as 15%, according to experts. Additional research into the topic found almost 15% of workers only get five hours of sleep (or less) per night. These findings suggest that sleep loss negatively impacts T levels and wellbeing.
The bottom line is that men who have trouble sleeping often suffer from lower testosterone levels as a result. If you find yourself exhausted at the end of the day but toss and turn all night long, you might have low T.
TRT and anti-aging medicines can restore your T levels back to normal, which can help you sleep better with proper diet and exercise.
Depression
You're feeling down about everything, and there's no solid explanation for why you're in such a crummy mood. Your daily life is great and full of success, but you can't help but feel unexcited and unmotivated. If you're experiencing symptoms like these, you may be depressed – and it may stem from low testosterone.
A research study from Munich found that men with depression also commonly had low testosterone levels. This same study also found that depressed men had cortisol levels that were 67% higher than other men. Because higher cortisol levels lead to lower levels of testosterone, the chances of severe depression increase.
Depression is a very real disorder and should always be diagnosed and treated by your doctor. One treatment option gaining in popularity is TRT for depression. Studies show that when TRT is used to restore hormone levels, men enjoy a lighter, more improved mood. That's great news for men who are depressed and have not had success with other treatments like anti-depression medicines, which alter the brain's chemistry.
Inability to Concentrate
Ask anyone over the age of 50 how their memory is, and they'll tell you it wasn't what it used to be. Memory loss and lack of concentration occur naturally as we age – these aren't always signs of dementia or Alzheimer's.
However, what many men consider a symptom of age may be caused by low testosterone. A 2006 study found that males with low T levels performed poorly on cognitive skill tests. These results suggest that low testosterone may play a part in reducing cognitive ability. If you're having trouble staying on task or remembering what your schedule is for the day, it might not be due to your age. It might be because your testosterone levels are too low. If you're having trouble concentrating or remembering daily tasks, it could be time to talk to your doctor.
Why? The aforementioned study found that participating men experienced improved cognitive skills when using TRT.
Weight Gain
Even though today's society is more inclusive of large people, few adults enjoy gaining weight as they age. Despite their best efforts, many men just can't shed the extra pounds around their midsections, increasing their risk of heart disease and cancer.
Often, male weight gain is caused by hormone imbalances that slow the metabolism and cause weight to pile on. This phase of life is called andropause and happens when there is a lack of testosterone in the body. Couple that with high cortisol levels, and you've got a recipe for flabby guts and double chins.
Fortunately, TRT treatments and physician-led weight loss programs can correct hormone imbalances and lead to healthy weight loss for men.
Benefits of TRT and Anti-Aging Medicine for Men in Short Hills, NJ
The benefits of hormone replacement therapy for men are numerous. TRT not only grants relief from low-T symptoms but can help give protection against age-related diseases. Additionally, doctors now recognize male testosterone as an important role in alleviating depression.
Some of the most exciting benefits of TRT can include:
- Reduction in Body Fat
- Increased Strength
- More Muscle Mass
- More Energy
- Lower Risk of Erectile Dysfunction
- Higher Sperm Production
- Healthy Reproductive Tissues
- Lower Risk of Heart Disease and Diabetes
- Lower Risk of Anxiety
- Lower Risk of Depression
Fight Back Against Male Menopause
Because men do not go through a specific period of hormonal changes like women do (called menopause), many doctors refer to "male menopause" as androgen decline. This is just another term for low testosterone, but like female menopause, the symptoms can be serious and affect your quality of life.
The best way to fight back against male menopause is with male HRT treatment from Global Life Rejuvenation. We provide the following HRT treatments for men:
- Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
- Sermorelin (Sermorelin Acetate)
- Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
Our treatment options are personalized for your body and are available as creams, gels, injectables, and implantable pellets. To find out if testosterone replacement therapy is safe for you, contact Global Life Rejuvenation today to schedule your comprehensive testing and anti-aging treatment consultation.
Reverse Aging with Growth Hormone Peptides in Short Hills, NJ
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 is suitable for both men and women. It provides significant short and long-term benefits in age management therapies, boosting patients' overall health, wellbeing, and outlook on life. When growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland using Ipamorelin, clients report amazing benefits.
Some of those 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 Starts Here
Whether you are considering our TRT services, HRT for women, or our growth hormone peptide services, we are here to help. The first step to turning back the hand of time starts by contacting Global Life Rejuvenation.
Our friendly, knowledgeable TRT and 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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Latest News in Short Hills, NJ
Eataly, an Italian marketplace and food hall, to open in Short Hills Mall. See when
Matt Cortinahttps://www.northjersey.com/story/entertainment/dining/2024/11/07/eataly-restaurant-opens-first-nj-location-short-hills-mall/76091788007/
Eataly, the global Italian marketplace and restaurant brand, will open its first New Jersey location at The Mall at Short Hills at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13.Spanning more than 17,000 square feet, Eataly Short Hills will include a restaurant, several quick service counters and a retail section stocked with imported Italian and regional delicacies. The giant Italian market and food space has won fans in cities across the globe &...
Eataly, the global Italian marketplace and restaurant brand, will open its first New Jersey location at The Mall at Short Hills at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13.
Spanning more than 17,000 square feet, Eataly Short Hills will include a restaurant, several quick service counters and a retail section stocked with imported Italian and regional delicacies. The giant Italian market and food space has won fans in cities across the globe — there are now more than 50 Eataly locations worldwide.
“We are excited to bring Eataly to The Mall at Short Hills for our shoppers to celebrate and enjoy the history and food culture of Italy," said William Taubman, chief operating officer of Taubman, a retail development company partnering with Eataly, in a press release.
Inside the Eataly Short Hills restaurant
Eataly Ristorante, the 230-seat restaurant and bar, pays tribute to classic Italian cuisine. Menu items include antipasti like prosciutto di Parma and "Sicilian-style" calamari fritti with zucchini. There are house-made pastas and sauces, aged cheeses and entrees like pan-roasted salmon and chicken Milanese. There's also an extensive menu of Neapolitan pizza.
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While you're dining, you can choose from more than 100 Italian wine labels that span all 20 regions of Italy. Plus, there are seasonal cocktails and a bar program focused on Italian aperitivi, amari and liqueur. Check back before Thanksgiving and Christmas for special curated meals.
The Eataly Short Hills market
Perhaps what separates the Eataly experience from other Italian markets is the sheer number of unique imported foods and wines available.
There are hundreds of artisanal, imported products, from olive oils to vinegars, pastas and more dry goods on Eataly shelves. There'll also be a wine shop, fresh products from regional producers and sections devoted to cured meats, cheese and fresh pasta. In concert with these offerings are educational experiences, like live pasta-making demonstrations.
Again, check out Eataly around the holidays as they'll carry gift boxes, premium sweets (like panettoni and pandori) and collections of Eataly brand goods.
The rest of the Eataly Short Hills experience
If you're looking for a quick grab-and-go experience, Eataly has a cafe and quick service counters to accommodate you.
There's Caffè Lavazza, offering Lavazza coffee drinks all day; La Pasticceria, a pastry counter with baked goods; Il Gelato, with house-made gelato and sorbetto; Pizza alla Pala, with Roman-style pizza; and Panini, a station serving focaccia, panini and farcita (sort of like focaccia).
After opening on Nov. 13, Eataly Short Hills will roll out 10 days of special events that cater to the brand's core pillars of "eat, shop and learn." That means there'll be workshops, tastings, a DJ night with specialty cocktails, chef dinners and more. For more information on those events or Eataly Short Hills, go to eataly.com.
Go: The Mall at Short Hills, 1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills; eataly.com.
Matt Cortina is a food reporter for NorthJersey.com/The Record. Reach him at [email protected].
Game On: Preventing and Managing Concussions This Fall
TAPintohttps://www.tapinto.net/towns/millburn-slash-short-hills/sections/health-and-wellness/articles/game-on-preventing-and-managing-concussions-this-fall-13
Sponsored ContentSponsored ByPhoto Credit: RWJBarnabas Health By RWJBarnabas HealthPublished October 17, 2024 at 1:53 PMAs football season kicks into high gear, head injuries and concussions are once again at the forefront. Whether someone’s a professional athlete, enjoys playing recreational sports, or just likes staying active, knowing how to recognize and prevent concussions can make all the difference in avoiding long-term complications. ...
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Photo Credit: RWJBarnabas Health
By RWJBarnabas Health
Published October 17, 2024 at 1:53 PM
As football season kicks into high gear, head injuries and concussions are once again at the forefront. Whether someone’s a professional athlete, enjoys playing recreational sports, or just likes staying active, knowing how to recognize and prevent concussions can make all the difference in avoiding long-term complications. Dr. Jason Krystofiak, who serves as Section Chief of Sports Medicine at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center and Medical Director of Sports Medicine for RWJBarnabas Health, focuses not only on treating head injuries but also works to promote best practices for prevention and safety. He shares tips to reduce the risk of concussions and keep athletes safe this season and beyond.
Q: Can concussions be prevented?
A: “While it’s impossible to completely prevent concussions, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk. Using the right equipment and practicing safe techniques are key. For example, helmets are critical in contact sports, but they aren’t enough to fully protect against concussions on their own. Recent equipment innovations like Guardian Caps —padded covers that go over helmets — are gaining traction in professional sports leagues like the NFL, especially as their data shows a decreased risk of concussion for those wearing them. These caps are designed to absorb additional impact and reduce the force transferred to the head, offering an extra layer of protection.
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Remember, concussions don’t just happen to professional athletes. Anyone can sustain a concussion from falls, car accidents, or even by slipping on ice during the winter season. Regardless of how it’s obtained, recognizing prevention strategies are the first step to minimizing risk.”
Q: What are the symptoms of a concussion?
A: “Concussions can manifest in a variety of ways. Symptoms often include persistent headaches, nausea, difficulty focusing, and sensitivity to noise. Many people also experience mood changes, such as irritability or feelings of depression.
If gone untreated, concussions can have serious implications. An untreated concussion may lead to issues with cognitive skills and emotional regulations. Another major risk of an untreated concussion is Second-Impact Syndrome, which occurs when a second concussion happens before the first one has fully healed. This can put a patient risk for permanent brain damage and in extreme cases, even death.”
Q: What should someone do if a concussion is suspected?
A: “Immediately stop any physical activity and seek medical attention. For average cases, most people will recover in less than two weeks. The recovery process involves rest, symptom monitoring, and a gradual return to normal activities/sport.
For athletes, particularly those in contact sports like football players, the recovery process may take longer and requires more careful monitoring. Athletes should be mindful not to return to the field too soon to avoid potential reinjury.”
Q: How do concussions impact mental health?
A: “Besides the physical symptoms, concussions can have serious mental health consequences. People with concussions have reported experiencing feelings of anxiety, depression, and PTSD — especially as many fear reinjury. To further exacerbate the issue, athletes who have experienced concussions may feel a loss of identity as they are unable to participate in their sport. In turn, it is vital that a recovery plan address both the physical and mental aspects of healing.”
Editor's Note: This advertorial content is being published by TAPinto.net as a service for its marketing partners. For more information about how to market your business or nonprofit on TAPinto, please visit TAPintoMarketing.net or email [email protected]. The opinions expressed herein, if any, are the writer's alone, and do not reflect the opinions of TAPinto.net or anyone who works for TAPinto.net. TAPinto.net is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information supplied by the writer.
Get the Most Out of Your Pumpkin
Melinda Myershttps://www.tapinto.net/towns/millburn-slash-short-hills/sections/home-and-garden/articles/get-the-most-out-of-your-pumpkin-9
Extend the life of pumpkins by creating crayon-dripped pumpkins rather than carving.Photo Credit: MelindaMyers.comNEW JERSEY - It’s pumpkin season and time to select and decorate pumpkins for your fall display. Keep pumpkins and Jack-o’-lanterns looking their best longer with proper selection and care.Harvest or purchase pumpkins free of holes, cuts, and soft spots for decorating. Damaged fruit tends to rot faster, ruining your fall display. And always carry the fruit cradled in your arms, not by the stem. Once the ...
Extend the life of pumpkins by creating crayon-dripped pumpkins rather than carving.Photo Credit: MelindaMyers.com
NEW JERSEY - It’s pumpkin season and time to select and decorate pumpkins for your fall display. Keep pumpkins and Jack-o’-lanterns looking their best longer with proper selection and care.
Harvest or purchase pumpkins free of holes, cuts, and soft spots for decorating. Damaged fruit tends to rot faster, ruining your fall display. And always carry the fruit cradled in your arms, not by the stem. Once the stem breaks away from the fruit, the pumpkin is more susceptible to rot and its beauty fades.
Store carving pumpkins in a cool location until you are ready to start cutting. Extend the beauty of carved pumpkins by washing them with warm water and letting them dry before making the first cut. Try leaving the top intact and scooping the insides out through a hole in the back. This limits water entering the carved cavity and helps extend the life of your Jack-o’-lantern.
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Coat the cuts with petroleum jelly or vegetable oil to seal in the moisture and prolong your display. Take it one step further and use a commercial preservative or peppermint oil to keep your Jack-o’-lantern looking its best for as long as possible.
Don’t give up when your Jack-o’-lantern begins shriveling. Instead, give it a cold bath to freshen up its appearance.
Or put away the knives and break out the paint, beads, decorations, crayons, and your imagination to further extend your pumpkin’s beauty. Turn your pumpkin into a creature, movie character, pet, or fun object. You’ll find lots of creative inspiration in magazines and online.
Don’t worry if you have limited artistic ability. Create a multicolored crayon-dripped pumpkin. Wipe the pumpkin’s surface clean and allow it to dry before you start decorating. Remove the labels from the crayons and break them in half if needed.
Glue the crayons to the top of the pumpkin to prevent them from rolling off while you work. Place one end of the crayon against the stem and the other end pointed away from the center of the pumpkin.
Cover your work surface and use your hair dryer to melt the crayons so they drip down the sides of the pumpkin, creating a colorful waxy covering. A high heat setting will speed up the process but may make a bigger mess by splashing the melted wax all over the table.
To further dress up your landscape consider converting a few pumpkins into fall planters. Remove the top. Cut a hole large enough to accommodate the pot you’ll be inserting. Remove the seeds and flesh, cut a few drainage holes in the bottom, and then set a pot of pansies, asters, mums, or ornamental peppers inside.
Or plant the flowers directly in the pumpkin planter filled with potting soil. When your pumpkins start to rot, move them, plants and all, to the compost pile. They will break down into a wonderful soil amendment for next year’s garden.
Melinda Myers has written over 20 gardening books, including Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers’ website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
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