D
r. Drillings
completed his
orthopedic resi-
dency at Northwestern
University Medical
Center in Chicago, and
was a fellow in sports
medicine at Lenox Hill
Hospital in New York
City. He was an assis-
tant team physician
for the Chicago Cubs,
ORTHOPEDIC
New York Jets and New SURGEON, CLINICAL
PROFESSOR AT THE
York Rangers. While
UNIVERSITY OF
MEDICINE AND
noting that exercise
DENTISTRY OF NEW
enhances health, he
JERSEY
says that as an orthope- ATHLETIC TRAINING
EDUCATION
dic surgeon, he sees
PROGRAM MEDICAL
a lot of patients
DIRECTOR AT WILLIAM
PATERSON UNIVERSITY
who would be doing
AFFILIATED WITH
themselves a favor by
CHILTON MEDICAL
combining it with good CENTER IN WAYNE
lifestyle habits. “When
you eat better and are more active, you’re
not only taking a load off your joints, but
helping with your lung and heart health,”
he says. Follow his advice, and even with
a heavy sports regimen, you’ll have a
better chance of staying clear of the
orthopedist’s office.
DR. GARY
DRILLINGS
PLAN FOR A HEALTHY DIET
“It’s hard to eat well in this country,
because we’re geared towards conven-
ience,” says Drillings. Diet must-haves
such as green leafy vegetables, crucifer-
ous veggies like broccoli and cauliflower,
nuts, seeds and berries provide needed
antioxidants and nutrients, he says. Foods
rich in calcium and vitamin D strengthen
bones, while “red meat and cheese are
known to be inflammatory, and can
contribute to arthritis and gout.” Some
studies, he says, suggest that keeping a
food diary is an effective way to reduce
personal food consumption.
STAY STRONG
“Most people reach their peak bone
mass when they’re in their twenties,” says
Drillings. “From that point on, you’re los-
ing density, so you want to do everything
you can before then keep it up.” Carving
out 30 minutes a day for walking outside,
going on the rowing machine, swimming
or any kind of cardio exercise guarantees
benefits. ■
WAYNE MAGAZINE HOLIDAY 2017
45