The uniqueness of a medical fitness program is that it promotes physical fitness under the watchful eye of the medical profession.  This provides a safe haven for each individual to work out - whether you live with a condition such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis or obesity, are recovering from an injury or surgery, or are seeking to improve your overall personal health.

We realize that there are many obstacles faced when trying to obtain good health.  In this program, it is our mission to recognize and address each person's underlying medical health and concerns in order to achieve a safe and positive outcome, both physically and emotionally. This medical fitness program is unique in its integrative mindset, offering both Western and Eastern philosophies of optimizing health. 

When training in a medical fitness facility, the availability of on-site nutritional expertise, psychological counseling, mind-body therapies and medical expertise adds both comfort and security to our patients and removes barriers which otherwise prohibit patients from embarking on a physical fitness program.   In addition, for those who are nearing the end of a rehabilitation program, this offers a smooth transition to continuing rehabilitation and return to normal lifestyle in a seamless fashion. 

The philosophies of medical fitness will be our brand of health care and we are proud to be the first in the area to offer this remarkable array of services and benefits to our patients. 

Yvonne Johnson, PT, Physical Therapy Program Manager

In September 2006, We Focus on Fitness began as a small intimate practice: two physical therapists, one fitness trainer and one secretary. Our combination of a friendly and caring environment and one-on-one sessions with experienced therapists has led to our success.

All our therapists utilize a combination of manual skills and exercise to help patients reach their health and fitness goals. Maintaining continuity of care is very important and is accomplished by having patients see the same therapists as often as possible. Our therapists work closely with our physicians to coordinate and implement an individualized plan of care. We work diligently to accommodate our patients' scheduling needs by having extended early morning to late evening hours and minimizing wait time for appointments.We provide a continuum of care so that patients can transition smoothly and safely from physical and/or occupational therapy into personal training and home exercises through our carefully designed and choreographed therapy paradigms.

With our newly expanded facility we will increase our staff to include five physical therapists, two fitness trainers, and one occupational therapist. Our services will also be broadened to include: Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Biomechanical and Ergonomic Assessments, Personal Fitness Training, Sports Specific Training, Exercise Counseling, Youth Weight Training, Nutritional Counseling, Massage, Stress Reduction and Yoga.

Fitness Training at We Focus on Fitness

Jeff Young, Kinesiologist, CSCS, USAW-SPC, Fitness Program Co-ordinator

The fitness staff at We Focus on Fitness, part of the Medical Fitness Program, continues to emphasize sound understanding of strength, conditioning, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and medical fitness programming.  As part of a collaborative vision, we are mentored by the Center's faculty providers and function as part of an integrative healthcare team. 

Building upon this strong academic foundation, the fitness staff continues to evolve by regularly participating in fitness education seminars and workshops as well as community outreach via injury prevention programs, corporate fitness seminars, and online education.

I have been practicing four blocks away from CCHH and shared mutual patients for ten years. Throughout that period there were opportunities to interact with various doctors from the Center. With our similar philosophy towards helping patients, a wonderful relationship developed which eventually led to the opportunity to join the team.  

I enjoy treating podiatric conditions in a minimally invasive manner. This can entail using homeopathic treatments such as ultrasound guided biopuncture to precisely treat conditions such as bursitis and fasciitis; avoiding systemic side effects by prescribing compounded medication; and utilizing cold laser for musculoskeletal pain, laser treatment for nail fungi, and minimal incision surgery for conditions like neuroma.

I received my training with the New York Health and Hospital Corporation, West Haven and Bronx Veterans Hospitals and I have been in practice since 1998.

Growing up I was an athlete and had a strong interest in science and sports medicine. While an undergraduate, I worked in a molecular research lab for two years. During this time I went to a Podiatrist for a sports-related issue and after suffering for over two months it was resolved in ten minutes. I thought to myself, what a wonderful thing to do for the rest of my life - relieve pain. I sought out ways to achieve that end without causing harm, and the integrative approach seemed logical.

One of my favorite things to do is to tee it up with friends or family at a nearby golf course. It is my zen escape from stress. That little white ball commands full concentration and the mind must be clear.  As an adult, for me to go out to play is like bringing me right back to the freedoms associated with childhood. I appreciate every round.

I have found Beth Israel's CCHH uses a superior model of healthcare that integrates medical knowledge with the art of healing. Last year I had the privilege to be guided during my family nurse practitioner training by Dr. Martin Ehrlich, Alex Riccio, FNP and Rachel Nechama, FNP. I am excited to be joining the CCHH team.

What kinds of unique approaches will you feature in your practice?

As a classical homeopath and a family nurse practitioner, I look at the totality of symptoms a patient presents: mental, emotional and physical. I often use "Sandplay," a tool that aids  in choosing the correct homeopathic remedy. "Sandplay" consists of a box of sand and toys as a form of non-verbal communication to better understand the totality of symptoms. As a family nurse practitioner, I know the importance of compassion and nurturing. I perform complete medical exams, screen for diseases, teach people to improve and maintain healthy practices, prescribe and adjust medications and refer them for tests and other treatments when necessary.

Where did you get your training and how long have you been in practice?

I am a certified classical homeopath with 17 years of clinical experience. I have studied extensively with Dr. Paul Herscu at the New England School of Homeopathy and with other world-renowned homeopaths. My parents, Jungian-trained psychologists, taught me how to use and understand "Sandplay." I am a board-certified FNP, receiving my registered nursing degree from Bergen Community College and my masters in nursing science and FNP from Pace University.

What motivated you to choose this profession and to practice an integrative approach?

I turned to various healing modalities to help my children when they were young. I discovered the benefits of homeopathy and have been studying it ever since. I believe an integrative approach is optimal in healthcare.

Do you have any hobbies or special interests?

I love music and art. In my youth I was a classically-trained violinist. I enjoy playing music with my husband, a cellist, and our children. As an undergraduate in college I studied painting. I often get up very early in the morning to enjoy nature and paint outdoor landscapes. 

I wanted to focus on clinical work; to have my interaction with patients be my highest priority and to leave the business end of running a practice up to the administrative staff. I feel that the specialist practitioner gets maximal results when the treatment considers the whole person rather focusing solely on a specific injury.

Because of my specialty training in the hand, upper extremity and ergonomics, I can address upper extremity function in a very precise manner considering the physical attributes of the individual, tools utilized and environmental demands. Computerization of nearly all occupations often places intensive functional demands on workers. I can assist an individual to improve comfort and minimize risk of injury and re-injury.

I have an undergraduate degree in education and psychology from Dominican College and a masters degree in Occupational Therapy from Columbia University and a second masters degree in biomechanics and ergonomics from New York University. I have been a practicing Occupational Therapist for 30 years.

My interest in hand therapy sprang from a fascination with the workings and anatomy of the hand and an appreciation for the importance of the role of our hands in so many of our interactions in our work, home and leisure pursuits.

I particularly enjoy cooking and creating interesting meals that my 7-year-old son and I will both enjoy. I love spending time working in my garden and reading and relaxing in it.