A Hackensack Meridian Health cancer expert shares some tips

Manahawkin N.J. - December 22, 2025 - As we plan for the New Year, we often think about the resolutions we'll make, including commitments to health. As <a href="https://doctors.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/madhurima-anne/1316230?gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;&amp;placement=&amp;target=&amp;keyword=dr%20anne&amp;matchtype=b&amp;hgcrm_channel=paid_search&amp;hgcrm_source=google_adwords&amp;hgcrm_agency=client&amp;hgcrm_campaignid=12726&amp;hgcrm_tacticid=18932&amp;hgcrm_trackingsetid=27701&amp;utm_source=Google-Assembly&amp;utm_medium=SEM&amp;utm_campaign=Branded_Terms&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21010700291&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAoKg1oY0Vt1XK9k6SA6QTUOYqd43R&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAl-_JBhBjEiwAn3rN7fSSqFGUCTyyi7jckfzgsKDbGmIZ0bHcxoDu-ku8XBs7-0ObqAZpixoC9jcQAvD_BwE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Madhurima Anne, M.D.</a>, hematologist/oncologist at Hackensack Meridian Health shares, one resolution that can truly save your life is scheduling preventative cancer screenings.

It happens every year. We start off with good intent to better take care of ourselves, but busy schedules often keep us from getting those routine appointments on the calendar. Just know that a cancer screening is one of the most powerful, proactive steps you can take for your well-being. The simple truth is that screenings can detect cancer before you even experience any symptoms. When cancer is found at its earliest, most treatable stages, the chances for better outcomes are significantly higher. Some screenings can stop cancer before it even starts. A colonoscopy, for example, allows for the removal of precancerous polyps, preventing them from developing into colorectal cancer.

Navigating screening recommendations can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Remember, your doctor can help you understand your individual risk factors and create a plan that's right for you. For an average-risk adult, screening recommendations are as follows:&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul><li>Breast Cancer: It is recommended that women begin yearly mammograms at age 40 and continue as long as they are in good health.</li><li>Cervical Cancer: The Pap test is recommended for women starting at age 21. Beginning at age 30, you have the option to combine the Pap test with an HPV test every five years.</li><li>Colorectal Cancer: Regular screening for both men and women should begin at age 45. There are several options available, from stool-based tests to visual exams like a colonoscopy.</li><li>Lung Cancer: A yearly low-dose CT scan is recommended for adults between the ages of 50 and 80 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.</li><li>Prostate Cancer: Men should begin a conversation with their doctor about the pros and cons of testing starting at age 50. This discussion should start earlier, at age 45, for Black men or those with a first-degree relative (father or brother) who was diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age.</li><li>Skin Cancer: Get into the habit of regularly checking your skin for any new or changing moles or freckles. It's also important to see a dermatologist for a formal skin scan once a year.</li></ul>

While screenings are crucial, a healthy lifestyle is another key factor in reducing your cancer risk &ndash; this includes the food you eat. Organizations like the American Cancer Society and American Institute for Cancer Research recommend adding high-fiber foods to your diet. These foods are often rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals that aid in cancer prevention. And eating a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans is also a plus. Try to limit excess sugar and fat, as these extra calories can lead to weight gain, as can oversized portions.&nbsp;

If you use tobacco, quitting is one of the most impactful health decisions you can make. Nicotine withdrawal can be challenging, but there are tools to help you succeed. There are a number of FDA-approved medications to help you manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms including a nicotine patch, gum, lozenge, inhaler, and nasal spray. Talk to your healthcare team or a specialized quit service to find the right aids for you and learn how to use them effectively.

This New Year, I encourage you to resolve to take control of your health. By scheduling your preventative screenings, making nutritious food choices, and quitting tobacco, you are giving yourself the gift of a healthier future.

To schedule a screening or find a doctor, visit <a href="https://hackensackmeridianhealth.org/cancer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hackensackmeridianhealth.org/cancer</a>.

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Ocean County

Veronica Flesher

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Barnegat-Manahawkin

New Jersey

A New Year's Resolution That Could Save Your Life

A Hackensack Meridian Health cancer expert shares some tips...

The following community events are offered through Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center in January (locations vary):
LITTLE EGG HARBOR - SOUTHERN OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER is offering a FREE lecture on Mind, Body, Healthy You for the New Year on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 from 11 a.m. to Noon at the Ocean County Library - Little Egg Harbor Branch, 290 Mathistown Rd, Little Egg Harbor Township. Learn how to prioritize your well-being. Our health professionals will lead a practical session focused on improving mental health while sharing easy-to-implement methods to boost your physical vitality. Walk away with tools to nurture both your body and mind. Register with the library. Visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Events or call 1-800-560-9990 for more information.

MANAHAWKIN - SOUTHERN OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER is hosting a FREE lecture on Heart Healthy Eating on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 10 - 11 a.m. at the Ocean County Library - Stafford Branch, 129 N. Main St. Manahawkin. Fuel your heart with the right nutrients! Eating a variety of whole foods is key to supporting cardiovascular health. Join us for an essential session where we will discuss heart-healthy eating strategies, review proper portion sizes, and highlight the best foods for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Register with the library. Visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Events or call 1-800-560-9990 for more information.

BARNEGAT - SOUTHERN OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER is hosting a FREE lecture on Winter Emergencies on Monday, January 26, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Twp of Ocean Engel Sprague Senior Center, 239 11th St. Barnegat. Join our health experts as they discuss winter hazards and how you can create a safer environment! No registration required.

MANAHAWKIN - SOUTHERN OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER is offering FREE Wellness Screenings on Friday, January 30, 2026 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the ShopRite of Manahawkin, 733 Rt. 72, Manahawkin. Screenings will include Blood Pressure, Pulse, BMI, Glucose, Cholesterol and Stroke Risk Assessment. A nurse will be on hand to answer questions. No registration required.
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Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical...

The following community events are offered through Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center in January (locations vary):...

Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center January Events

Seven Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals received national recognition with a &ldquo;High Performing&rdquo; designation from U.S. News
Manahawkin, N.J. - December 10, 2025 - Hackensack Meridian Health, the health network designed to deliver better outcomes through innovation and integrated care, is proud to announce that seven of its hospitals, including Southern Ocean Medical Center, have been named by U.S. News &amp; World Report to its 2026 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care list. This national, &ldquo;high performing&rdquo; designation is the highest award a hospital can earn as part of U.S. News&rsquo; annual Best Hospitals for Maternity Care study. Distinguished among others, Hackensack Meridian Health is the most recognized hospital system in NJ for maternity care.
&ldquo;Hackensack Meridian Health is proud to offer world-class maternity care in a compassionate and nurturing environment where every parent feels supported and confident in our care,&rdquo; said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, chief executive officer, Hackensack Meridian Health. &ldquo;Delivering high-quality healthcare starts with an uncompromising focus on enhancing patient outcomes. This focus has been built into every system, every process, and every patient interaction. These designations from U.S. News and World Report are a testament to the exceptional expertise, dedication, and consistency our care teams deliver every day.&rdquo;
The following hospitals received a &ldquo;high performing&rdquo; designation from U.S. News in maternity care, the global authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice:
<ul><li>Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center</li><li>Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center</li><li>Hackensack Meridian Palisades Medical Center</li><li>Hackensack Meridian Raritan Bay Medical Center</li><li>Hackensack Meridian Riverview Medical Center</li><li>Hackensack Meridian Ocean University Medical Center</li><li>Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center</li></ul>
&ldquo;Our relentless focus on quality is what sets us apart in the greater New York metro region and beyond,&rdquo; said Jose Azar, M.D., executive vice president, chief quality and clinical service line officer, Hackensack Meridian Health. &ldquo;When patients come to us for maternity care, they can trust that they are receiving the safest, most advanced support available, delivered by teams who provide custom care tailored to a mother and baby&rsquo;s unique needs. We&rsquo;re honored to be recognized year after year for our nationally-ranked care.&rdquo;
U.S. News began evaluating maternity care hospitals in 2021, rating hospitals that provide labor and delivery services and submit detailed data to the publication for analysis. This year, approximately 900 hospitals nationwide submitted maternity data for evaluation. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/hospital-ratings/maternity?src=usn_pr" target="_blank">Best Hospitals for Maternity Care</a> ratings are intended to assist expectant parents, in consultation with their prenatal care providers, in making informed decisions about where to receive maternity services that best meet their family&rsquo;s needs.
&ldquo;Hospitals designated as a U.S. News Best Hospital for Maternity Care are national leaders. This recognition means they are consistently hitting crucial patient safety benchmarks compared to other hospitals,&rdquo; said Jennifer Winston, Ph.D., health data scientist at U.S. News. &ldquo;It's a clear signal to expectant parents about where the highest standards of care are being practiced &ndash; when parents see this designation, they can be assured they are choosing a hospital dedicated to exceptional, evidence-based maternity care.&rdquo;
In addition to the designation from U.S. News &amp; World Report, three Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.newswise.com/articles/hackensack-meridian-health-hospitals-named-to-newsweek-s-america-s-best-maternity-hospitals-2025" target="_blank">were named among America&rsquo;s Best Maternity Hospitals 2025</a> by Newsweek and Statista. Also, Hackensack University Medical Center was the <a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/news/2023/01/31/hmhunc-first-hospital-in-nation-to-receive-advanced-certification-in-perinatal-care" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">first hospital in the nation</a> to receive The Joint Commission&rsquo;s Gold Seal for Advanced Certification in Perinatal Care. Additionally, U.S. News &amp; World Report named Hackensack University Medical Center the #1 hospital in the New York/New Jersey Metro area and a Top 20 hospital nationally and for clinical excellence this year.
For more information on the U.S. News &amp; World Report Best Maternity Hospitals 2026 list, visit <a rel="nofollow" href="https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/hospital-ratings/maternity" target="_blank">here</a>. For more information on Hackensack Meridian Maternity Care, visit <a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/womens-health/maternity-care" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/womens-health/maternity-care</a>.
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Seven Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals received national recognition with a “High Performing” designation from U.S. News...

Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center Receives Maternity Nod

8' wooden step ladder with extended shelf to hold paint can or tools. Type II with 225 pound duty rating; commercial use; highest standing level is 5'9". Selling for $35.00. Contact Greg at 609-354-2411. I live in Ocean Acres,&nbsp;Stafford Township.&nbsp;&nbsp;

8 Foot Step Ladder

8' wooden step ladder with extended shelf to hold paint can or tools. Type II with 225 pound duty rating; commercial use; highest standing level is...

A Hackensack Meridian Children&rsquo;s Health expert shares some tips

Neptune, N.J. - December 3, 2025 - With the holiday shopping season under way, it&rsquo;s a perfect time to talk about gift giving and how to keep children safe. <a href="https://doctors.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/marie-g-ponce/1318975" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marie Grace Ponce, M.D.</a>, division chief of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at K. Hovnanian Children&rsquo;s Hospital at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, shares some important tips to keep the holidays injury free for little ones.
When it comes to holiday toy shopping for children, parents and gift givers should keep a number of safety considerations in mind including age appropriateness. Always check the age rating on toys. These recommendations are based on safety testing for that age group, not a child's intelligence or maturity. Toys for older children may contain small parts or require a level of dexterity that younger children do not possess, leading to frustration and potential injury. 
For children under age 3, small toys and parts of toys &ndash; like small balls, marbles and parts that break off of larger toys (like eyes or buttons on stuffed animals) &ndash; are a major choking hazard. If the item fits through the opening of a toilet paper tube, it is too small for a younger child to have. Even uninflated balloons or pieces of broken balloons can pose a serious choking risk. Something that often gets overlooked are button batteries and small, powerful magnets. If swallowed they can cause serious internal injuries or even be fatal. Toys with these components should be kept away from young children. 
Unfortunately each year, there are a number of toy-related injuries seen in emergency departments including lacerations, contusions, and abrasions. Falls are a major cause of these injuries, often from riding toys like bikes and non-motorized scooters. For these gifts, ensure they are sturdy and appropriate for the child's size and skill level. Don't forget to include a helmet and other protective gear as part of the gift.
There are other holiday-specific hazards besides toys that adults should be aware of. For instance, decorations can pose a safety risk. It&rsquo;s best to keep breakable ornaments and those with small, detachable parts out of reach of small children by placing them on higher branches of the tree. Also, be mindful of potentially poisonous holiday plants like mistletoe and holly berries. If you have a real Christmas tree, make sure it is well-watered to prevent it from becoming a fire hazard, and never leave candles unattended and within reach of children.
There are other things, too, that might not readily come to mind, like when you have visitors. When guests are over, be aware that their purses and bags may contain items that are dangerous for children, such as medications or other small items. And consider certain seasonal foods and drinks you may be serving, as they can also post a safety risk. Keep hot foods and drinks away from the edges of tables and counters where they can be pulled down by a curious child. Also, be mindful of small, hard foods that can be choking hazards for young children, such as nuts and hard candies.
By taking a few extra steps to read packaging, look around your home, and keep certain items out of reach, you can ensure a safe environment for children this holiday season. 

For more information about Hackensack Meridian Children&rsquo;s Health, visit <a href="http://hackensackmeridianhealth.org/kids" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hackensackmeridianhealth.org/kids</a>. 

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(photo credit:&nbsp;vecteezy.com)

Keeping the Holiday Season Safe for your Little...

A Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health expert shares some tips...

Keeping the Holiday Season Safe for your Little Ones

A Hackensack Meridian Health expert shares some tips
Manahawkin, N.J. - December 3, 2025 -&nbsp;As a urogynecologist, I often talk with women about sensitive health topics. One of the most common, yet least discussed, is pelvic organ prolapse. Many women feel embarrassed or simply don't know what's happening to their bodies, so they suffer in silence. My goal is to change that. If you've ever felt a strange pressure or a bulge "down there," this conversation is for you. 

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the pelvic floor muscles and tissues, which act like a supportive hammock for your pelvic organs (including the bladder, uterus, and rectum), weaken. When this support system gives way, one or more of these organs can drop or press into the vaginal wall.
Several factors can increase your risk for developing prolapse. The natural processes of aging and menopause can cause a general weakness in the pelvic floor over time. Other conditions that put sustained pressure on this area are also risk factors for prolapse include, obesity, chronic coughing, repetitive heavy lifting, and certain familial or genetic conditions. 

One of the most surprising things about prolapse is that you might not feel anything at all. It's not uncommon for a gynecologist or primary care doctor to notice it during a routine exam without the patient having any symptoms, which can include: 

<ul><li dir="ltr">A sense of vaginal pressure or a bulge: Women have described this sensation as feeling like an egg, a golf ball, or even a grapefruit is inside the vagina.</li><li dir="ltr">Changes in bladder function: This can include a weaker urine stream; incontinence (bladder leakage) from coughing, laughing or sneezing (stress incontinence); frequent urination; a sudden urgency that makes it hard to get to the bathroom in time (urge incontinence); or a feeling that you haven't completely emptied your bladder.</li><li dir="ltr">Bowel symptoms: Prolapse can lead to constipation or a frustrating feeling that stool is trapped and won't come out completely.</li></ul>
If you're experiencing these symptoms, the first step is a conversation with your health care provider. In my office, we start with a thorough history to understand exactly what is bothering you. A pelvic exam follows, which helps me understand the extent of the prolapse and assess for incontinence.&nbsp; 
Non-surgical treatment options are available
Hearing you have prolapse doesn't automatically mean you need surgery. If the condition isn't causing bothersome symptoms, we can simply observe it. For those who need relief, there are several effective non-surgical options: 
<ul><li dir="ltr">Lifestyle modifications: Simple changes can make a big difference. By analyzing a bladder diary, we can see if caffeine, alcohol, or even the timing of your fluid intake might be contributing to your symptoms.</li><li dir="ltr">Pessaries: These are soft, flexible silicone devices placed inside the vagina to help lift and support the prolapsed organs.&nbsp;</li><li dir="ltr">Pelvic floor physical therapy: This is much more than just Kegel exercises. Specialized physical therapists design exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.&nbsp;</li></ul>
Surgical options for prolapse are considered when your quality of life is impacted and involve tailored procedures with definitive, durable repair and minimal recovery. These include a vaginal procedure using native tissue from the vaginal area to support the prolapsed organs or a robotic minimally invasive approach through the belly button using mesh to support the body&rsquo;s own natural tissue.&nbsp;
You don't have to navigate this journey alone. If you feel that something isn't right &ndash; physically and/or mentally &ndash; I encourage you to start a conversation with your doctor. There are many ways to manage urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse through surgical and non-surgical options. And if needed, seeking help through a <a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/behavioral-health/adult-psychiatry-and-behavioral-health/womens-mental-health" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">mental health program dedicated to the needs of women</a> can help you feel like yourself again. 
<a href="https://doctors.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/anjali-kapur/5855783" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anjali Kapur, M.D.</a>, is a urogynecologist who specializes in female pelvic floor disorders. She is affiliated with a number of Hackensack Meridian Health facilities in Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex Counties including Southern Ocean Medical Center.&nbsp;To make an appointment, please call her office at (848) 308-4125. 
For more information about pelvic organ prolapse, visit <a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/urology/uterine-prolapse" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/urology/uterine-prolapse</a>. Hackensack Meridian Health is New Jersey&rsquo;s top ranked Urology Program by U.S. News &amp; World Report for 2025-26 and has dedicated resources and services to support <a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/womens-health" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Women&rsquo;s Health</a> and <a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/behavioral-health/adult-psychiatry-and-behavioral-health/womens-mental-health" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Women&rsquo;s Mental Health</a>. 
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A Guide to Understanding and Treating Pelvic...

A Hackensack Meridian Health expert shares some tips...

A Guide to Understanding and Treating Pelvic Organ Prolapse

The following community event is offered through Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center in December: 

MANAHAWKIN - SOUTHERN OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER is offering FREE Wellness Screenings on Thursday, December 18, 2025 from 9 a.m. - Noon at Ken&rsquo;s Kitchen at St. Mary&rsquo;s Parish, 100 Bishop Way, Manahawkin. Screenings will include Blood Pressure, Pulse, BMI, Glucose, Cholesterol and Stroke Risk Assessment. A nurse will be on hand to answer questions. No registration required.
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(photo by shadowkill at freeimages.com)

The following community event is offered through Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center in December:...

Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center December Events

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A New Year's Resolution That Could Save Your Life

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