Grateful Patient Joe Furman’s Battle to Return to his Unit

Patient Story – Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

 US Marine Joe Furman’s Battle to Return to his Unit

February 2010

 Joe Furman* is in the US Marine Reserves and has been deployed numerous times in recent years to serve in Iraq.  While at home during a training exercise he heard a “pop” in his neck and began to have neck and right shoulder pain.  He went through extensive PT, but despite exercises, heat, message, and ultrasound treatments he continued to suffer. 

Joe eventually had an MRI and was referred to Dr. Maroon for disc collapse and nerve root and spinal cord compression at C5-6.  “I had been seen by another neurosurgeon before seeing Dr. Maroon, but I was confused and concerned about my condition and whether or not I could get back to the Marines after surgery”, said Joe.  “Dr. Maroon immediately made me feel comfortable and showed me on my MRI exactly where the problem was and what he was going to do to help me.  He spoke to my level of understanding and relieved a lot of my concerns.”

On May 11, 2009, Joe underwent an anterior cervical discectomy to relieve the pressure from his nerves and spine and then fusion with a plate to hold the bones in place.  Per Joe, “I had immediate relieve in my right should and arm pain.”  He was sent home the next day but about a week or two later began to have left arm and hand pain.  He was seen again and found to have some nerve inflammation.  After about 2 months all his symptoms were improved and he began to recondition to return to active Marine duty.

“I am now able to do over 20 dead hang pull-ups the same number as I did before surgery”, proudly asserts Joe.  I had the chance to medically retire from the Marines, but Dr. Maroon has helped me to get back to what I love”, said Joe.  “Also I have been taking the omega-3 fish oil based on Dr. Maroon’s recommendation and all my joints, including my knees which had been painful, are now better as well”

* Joe Furman has signed a released to permit the release of this personal information. We will not disclose any information unless the parties involved agree in writing. Joe Furman chose to permit this information because of his gratitude to Dr. Maroon and his staff.

Photo – This is a picture of US Marine Reservist Joe Furman in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.  He is standing in front of one of former dictator Saddam Hussein’s palaces located in Ramadi, Iraq.  This was the site of some of the furious fighting in Iraq in the early part of the war.  This plaque was presented to Dr. Maroon by Joe.

The Longevity Factor: How Resveratrol and Red Wine Activate Genes for a Longer and Healthier Life

By Joseph C. Maroon, MD

Simon and Schuster’s Atria Books, January 1, 2009

Dr. Joseph Maroon’s newest book, The Longevity Factor: How Resveratrol and Red Wine Activate Genes for a Longer and Healthier Life, was released nationwide by his publisher  Simon and Schuster’s Atria Books, January 1, 2009. In this book Dr. Maroon has condensed over two years of research and examination of over 1,500 references to provide the most up to date account of how the natural substances found in red wine and the skins of red grapes, resveratrol, can lead to a healthier and longer life.

It is “a groundbreaking examination of new scientific research that holds the secret to weight loss, increased strength, endurance, memory, and a healthier, longer life,” according to publisher Atria Books, a division of Simon & Shuster, Inc. 

Dr. Maroon at a recent book signing

In The Longevity Factor, noted neuroscientist and surgeon Joseph Maroon, MD, offers the definitive look at recent scientific breakthroughs identifying a group of natural substances — including the much-publicized molecule resveratrol — that can actually activate a specific set of genes in humans that promote a longer, healthier life. These substances, which make red wine, dark chocolate, and green tea good for us, appear to stave off a wide array of age-related diseases and keep us feeling young and vital.

Resveratrol is the centerpiece of headline-making research being conducted at the Harvard Medical School and elsewhere. Only recently, however, have scientists discovered how to isolate resveratrol and concentrate it into an affordable and safe supplement. Already, more than 200 supplements featuring resveratrol have flooded the market, and there are countless more on the way. But which ones work best? What is a consumer to look for on the label? Since resveratrol is a natural substance, can you get enough of it through diet alone, or should you combine diet with a supplement? And what lies on the horizon from the pharmaceutical industry? All those questions and many more are answered in this immensely informative and practical book.

Joseph Maroon offers the first-ever inside look at the amazing research that has led to the discovery of resveratrol and similar substances with the miraculous ability to activate our own longevity genes. He also offers his own diet plan and sound, reader-friendly advice for living a longer, healthier, and more balanced life with or without supplements. The Longevity Factor promises to be the authoritative source for everyone who wants to know more about how we can shift from the current paradigm of aging to a disease-free golden age of health, longevity, and fitness.”

The Longevity Factor is the second book authored by Dr. Maroon in recent years. In 2006, he co-authored Fish Oil: The Natural Anti-Inflammatory with Jeff Bost. The book takes a detailed look at the health effectiveness of fish oil supplements. 

Selective Book Reviews

The Longevity Factor How – Resveratrol and Red Wine can Activate Genes for a Longer and Healthier Life

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