&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;While a Blood Test is Being Studied, Solutions are Available Today Manahawkin, N.J. - April 2, 2026 - This week Australian conservationist Bindi Irwin &ndash; who is the daughter of famed conservationist Steve Irwin &ndash; shared on social media that she had more than 50 lesions removed surgically in her continued painful battle with endometriosis. It&rsquo;s a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, grows outside of the uterus, on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the tissues holding the uterus in place, and sometimes on the bowels or bladder. In rare cases, it can grow on the lungs or other parts of the body.&nbsp;
With an average diagnostic delay of seven to nine years, something that Irwin has shared in her long journey to get a diagnosis, endometriosis remains a significant challenge for patients seeking answers and care. Most recently <a href="https://www.rgu.ac.uk/news/news-2025/7984-research-funding-awarded-to-heighten-understanding-of-endometriosis" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">researchers in Scotland</a> have been studying what would be a revolution in diagnosis &ndash; the creation of a rapid blood test for endometriosis that would be used in a doctor&rsquo;s office.&nbsp;
But &ldquo;gold standard&rdquo; care is available now, say experts at Hackensack Meridian Health&nbsp; &ndash;&nbsp; and recent updates to clinical guidelines in diagnosing the condition by considering symptoms and medical history &ndash; rather than requiring surgical confirmation are helping women much earlier in their journey. It was earlier this year that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists updated its <a href="https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/clinical-practice-guideline/articles/2026/03/diagnosis-of-endometriosis" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">clinical guidance</a> to support a &ldquo;treat first&rdquo; approach for suspected disease.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The most common symptoms of endometriosis are pain and infertility. The pain can manifest as painful menstrual cramps that may radiate to the abdomen or lower back; pain during or after sex, chronic pelvic pain lasting six months or more and pain with bowel movements or urination, especially during menstruation. Other symptoms can include heavy or irregular periods, fatigue, diarrhea or constipation, and spotting between periods.&nbsp;
&ldquo;For many patients with endometriosis, symptoms have been minimized or normalized for years before they receive a diagnosis and treatment,&rdquo; says <a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/jocelyn-ann-carlo/1314264?shuffle_seed=de3cfee9-f0e9-41ff-b917-8da089345fdf&amp;sort=name&amp;specialties=Gynecology&amp;search_alerts=false&amp;provider_fields=-clinical_keywords&amp;location=40.26254%2C-74.023691&amp;distance=10&amp;display_location=Oakhurst%2C%20NJ&amp;from=search-list" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Jocelyn Carlo, MD, OBGYN, F.A.C.O.G.</a>, director of gynecology, Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center. &ldquo;When a major organization like ACOG issues updated clinical guidance, it signals that endometriosis deserves a serious, structured, and evidence-based approach. Increased awareness on the national level helps shift both patient and physician perspectives towards this&nbsp; complex and challenging disease. These updates recognize the long diagnostic journey many women face and provide clinicians with tools to act sooner, so we can treat the disease earlier, prevent complications, and improve their quality of life.&rdquo;&nbsp;

While a blood test is in development, laparoscopy remains the definitive method for diagnosing and treating endometriosis. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic excision surgery is a minimally invasive approach that removes growths and scar tissue while preserving healthy tissue. This technique is crucial for complex cases and for patients seeking to preserve fertility. As endometriosis is a multifaceted condition, Dr. Carlo recommends receiving care with a multi-disciplinary team of specialists, including gynecologic surgeons, pain management experts, and fertility specialists, to provide comprehensive and individualized care.
For additional information on endometriosis and women&rsquo;s health, visit <a href="http://hackensackmeridianhealth.org/services/womens-health" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">hackensackmeridianhealth.org/services/womens-health</a>.&nbsp;
###(photo: vecteezy.com)

Ocean County

Veronica Flesher

New York City Metropolitan Area

Barnegat-Manahawkin

New Jersey

Tackling an Endometriosis Diagnosis: A...

          While a Blood Test is Being Studied, Solutions are Available Today Manahawkin, N.J. - April 2, 2026 - This week Australian...

Tackling an Endometriosis Diagnosis: A Hackensack Meridian Health Expert Weighs in

Brand new in the original boxes -&nbsp; &nbsp;Three - 3" X 80" white steel posts with cross arm. Three beautiful single bulb lamps in white. Local pick-up only. All three (posts &amp; lamps) sold together as a package.&nbsp; $225.00 or best offer.
609-709-8297 - <a href="mailto:wfinnigan@aol.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">wfinnigan@aol.com</a>

Lamps & Posts

Brand new in the original boxes -   Three - 3" X 80" white steel posts with cross arm. Three beautiful single bulb lamps in white. Local pick-up...

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

MANAHAWKIN - Southern Ocean Medical Center is offering FREE Wellness Screenings on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 from 9 a.m. - 12 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.

WARETOWN - Southern Ocean Medical Center is offering FREE Wellness Screenings on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 from 1 - 4 p.m. at the ShopRite of Waretown, 501 US-9, Waretown. 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.

LACEY - SOUTHERN OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER is hosting a FREE lecture on Stress, Success and Your Heart on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 from 2 to 3 p.m. at Ocean County Library - Lacey Branch, 10 E. Lacey Road, Forked River. Join us as our health educator explores the critical link between mental stress, lifestyle choices, and cardiovascular health. This session is designed specifically for busy adults who want to maintain their competitive edge without sacrificing their longevity.&nbsp; Register with the library. Visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Events or call 1-800-560-9990 for more information.&nbsp;&nbsp;

MANAHAWKIN - SOUTHERN OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER is offering a FREE lecture on Living Your Best Life with Parkinson&rsquo;s on Thursday, April 2, 2026 from 11 a.m. to Noon at the Ocean County Library - Stafford Branch, 129 N. Main Street, Manahawkin. Join us as Dr. Diviya Kaul discusses the management and treatment options for living your best life with Parkinson&rsquo;s.&nbsp; Topics will include the latest medications, treatment options, and disease management tips. Register with the library. Visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Events or call 1-800-560-9990 for more information.

LITTLE EGG HARBOR - SOUTHERN OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER is hosting FREE Wellness Screenings on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 from 10 a.m. - Noon. at Ocean County Library - LEH Branch, 290 Mathistown Road, Little Egg Harbor.&nbsp; Screenings will include Blood Pressure, Pulse, BMI, Glucose, Cholesterol, and Stroke Risk Assessment. Fasting is not required.&nbsp; Register with the library. Visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Events or call 1-800-560-9990 for more information.&nbsp;&nbsp;

MANAHAWKIN - SOUTHERN OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER is hosting FREE Wellness Screenings on Thursday , April 16, 2026 from 9 a.m. - Noon at Ken&rsquo;s Kitchen at St. Mary&rsquo;s, 100 Bishop Way, Manahawkin.&nbsp; Screenings will include Blood Pressure, Pulse, BMI, Glucose, Cholesterol, and Stroke Risk Assessment. Fasting is not required.&nbsp; Registration is encouraged but not required. Visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Events or call 1-800-560-9990 for more information.&nbsp;&nbsp;

LANOKA HARBOR - Southern Ocean Medical Center is offering FREE Wellness Screenings on Monday, April 20, 2026 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the ShopRite of Lacey, 344 US-9, Lanoka Harbor. 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.

BARNEGAT - Southern Ocean Medical Center is hosting a FREE lecture on Healthy Eating on a Budget on Monday, April 27, 2026 from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. at the Twp of Ocean Engel Sprague Senior Center, 239 11th St. Barnegat. Join us to learn more about ways you can make smart decisions at the grocery store, while keeping your budget and health in mind!
FREE Wellness Screenings will be offered as well between 12 - 2 p.m. 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)

Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical...

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

Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center April Events

April is Autism Awareness Month
Edison, N.J. - March 27, 2026 &ndash; Approximately<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/autism/articles/prevalence-varies-across-us-communities.html#:~:text=Boys%20were%20more%20than%203%20times%20as,not%20related%20to%20higher%20identification%20of%20ASD." rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> 1 in 31 children</a> in the U.S. and 1 in 29 in New Jersey are diagnosed with <a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">autism spectrum disorder</a> &ndash; a developmental disorder that impacts how a person learns, communicates, and engages with others.&nbsp;
With <a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/healthier-you/2023/04/24/autism-what-it-looks-like-6-ways-to-help" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">symptoms</a> generally appearing during the first two years of life, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends developmental screening for all children at 9, 18, and 30 months, with specific <a href="https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/autism/?srsltid=AfmBOooyeQCh4mXAucil_PYh4gyIrQRYPEa1_tR9PGg_EHH_P6yCxyH3" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">autism screening</a> at 18 and 24 months, underscoring the importance of early identification, specialized care and tailored health care services for this population.
Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey's largest and most comprehensive health network, has developed a suite of innovative programs to provide families living with autism access to a sensory-friendly and supportive health care environment with services available across its hospitals and outpatient facilities.
"The services we've implemented across our network are a testament to our commitment to treat, understand, and accommodate the individual challenges that children with autism and their families face in a healthcare setting,&rdquo; said <a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/cristina-e-farrell/3015809" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Cristina Farrell, M.D.</a>, division chief, developmental-behavioral pediatrics at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune. "Our goal is to ensure that all children, including those with autism, receive compassionate and effective care that is attuned to their individual needs."
In addition to an e-learning initiative that has trained more than 10,000 team members &#8203;- including mandatory participation for pediatric nurses&#8203; - to better understand autism&#8203; and learn how to provide a sensory friendly medical environment&#8203;, Hackensack Meridian Health has implemented key initiatives including:&nbsp;
<ul><li>Sensory Carts: Sensory carts are available across the network in pediatric spaces, including emergency departments, oncology units, and pediatric intensive care units. These carts are equipped with items such as noise-canceling headphones and other support items to help manage sensory challenges, particularly during stressful procedures like blood draws. Team members are trained to use these tools to create a calmer, more child-friendly interaction. <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/EdRs7E5arBrFh2Rf8" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">(PHOTO ALBUM)</a></li><li>Patient Passport - a Journey to "Sensory Friendly Care": The Patient Passport is a document completed by caregivers that provides specific information about a patient's triggers and sensory issues, allowing providers to deliver individualized, sensory-friendly care.</li><li>Autism Sprint:&nbsp;By expanding diagnostic capacity, reducing bottlenecks, and prioritizing young patients who demonstrate possible behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorders, the Autism Sprint aims to significantly decrease wait times for families seeking a diagnosis in order to begin treatment as early as possible.</li><li>&ldquo;While you Wait:&rdquo;&nbsp; The &ldquo;While you Wait&rdquo; workshop provides families with valuable resources and guidance from the moment they request a developmental evaluation. The workshop explains the evaluation process, fosters shared understanding and helps families determine what services are the right fit.&nbsp;</li></ul>
"Navigating the healthcare system can be incredibly stressful for any family, but for those with a child on the autism spectrum, it presents a unique set of obstacles," said <a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/eileen-a-dolan/1497182" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Eileen Dolan, M.D.</a>, division chief, developmental-behavioral pediatrics at Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack. "Our approach is designed to empower families, streamline our processes, and ensure the most vulnerable children receive care sooner. These initiatives, born from successful pilots within our children's hospitals, demonstrate our network's ability to innovate and scale solutions that have a real-world impact on patient care and family well-being."
More information is available at <a href="http://hackensackmeridianhealth.org/Kids" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Kids</a>.&nbsp;
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(photo: Hackensack Meridian Health)

Hackensack Meridian Health Provides Sensory...

Hackensack Meridian Health Provides Sensory Friendly Care for Children with Autism

Ladies gold wedding band with worn leaf pattern encircling the center. Lost in the Barnegat/Waretown/Manahawkin areas around ShopRite, Staples, Walmart, Lefty&rsquo;s, Libraries, sometime in February. Reward offered for its return. 62nd wedding anniversary was in February and it would mean everything to have it back. Please text the word Ring along with a photo if you believe it&rsquo;s the Ring in question to 908-240-3102. Thank you

Ladies Wedding Band Lost

Ladies gold wedding band with worn leaf pattern encircling the center. Lost in the Barnegat/Waretown/Manahawkin areas around ShopRite, Staples,...

Manahawkin, N.J. - March 16, 2026 - In the wake of actress Lupita Nyong'o's recent, candid <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LupitaNyongo/posts/what-i-ordered-%EF%B8%8F-what-i-got-today-is-my-birthday-and-its-got-me-feeling-reflecti/1468557701292262/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">social media post</a> about her ongoing battle with 77 uterine fibroids, the conversation around this common but often silently endured condition is more relevant than ever. Her story highlights a critical health issue that affects millions of women, many of whom suffer from debilitating symptoms without knowing their options.

Uterine fibroids (also known as myomas or leiomyomas) range in size from as small as a pinhead to as large as a grapefruit. They affect an estimated 26 million women in the U.S., with more than 15 million experiencing significant symptoms like <a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/healthier-you/2025/08/28/my-period-is-super-heavy-what-is-going-on" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">heavy menstrual bleeding</a>, pelvic pain and bladder and bowel dysfunction. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6247381/#:~:text=10%E2%80%9314,work%20time%20and%20preterm%20delivery)." rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Research shows</a> a staggering prevalence: by age 50, more than 80% of Black women and approximately 70% of white women will develop fibroids. Despite this, women often wait years before seeking a diagnosis and treatment.

"Lupita Nyong'o's story resonates with so many of my patients who have suffered in silence for years with heavy bleeding, pain, and pressure, thinking it was just a normal part of being a woman," says <a href="https://doctors.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/jocelyn-a-carlo/1314264" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Jocelyn Carlo, M.D., FACOG</a>, director of gynecologic surgery at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, N.J. "Fibroids are treatable with more than a hysterectomy. It is vital that women feel empowered to speak up about their symptoms and seek expert care. A diagnosis is the first step toward reclaiming your quality of life, and today, there are more uterus-preserving and minimally invasive options than ever before."

Hackensack Meridian Health is a leader in offering such advanced procedures. A number of HMH sites recently incorporated the Sonata&reg; Transcervical Fibroid Ablation system, a targeted, incision-free procedure, that uses heat to address fibroids. This adds to existing, similar approaches like the Acessa&reg; Laparoscopic Fibroid Ablation system, uterine artery embolization and robotic myomectomies &ndash; offering women a range of minimally invasive options tailored to their specific needs.

"Hackensack Meridian Health is at the forefront of gynecological innovation, and our leadership in advanced fibroid treatment demonstrates this. By integrating cutting-edge technologies like the Sonata&reg; Transcervical Fibroid Ablation system, we are fundamentally changing how we manage fibroids,&rdquo; said <a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/michele-ellen-isaacs/1318643" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Michele Isaacs, M.D</a>, an obstetrician and gynecologist who also specializes in fibroid treatment options. &ldquo;Treatments such as Acessa&reg; , which we utilize at Hackensack University Medical Center, allow us to offer a full spectrum of minimally invasive solutions that preserve the uterus, significantly shorten recovery time, and tailor treatments that are most effective and least disruptive to each patient's unique needs."
Learn more about <a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/womens-health" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">women&rsquo;s health</a> at Hackensack Meridian Health.###Photo: <a href="//www.vecteezy.com/free-photos/woman'&gt;Woman%20Stock%20photos%20by%20Vecteezy&lt;/a&gt;" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Vecteezy.com</a>

Silently Endured: Fibroids - Hackensack...

Manahawkin, N.J. - March 16, 2026 - In the wake of actress Lupita Nyong'o's recent, candid social media post about her ongoing battle with 77...

Silently Endured: Fibroids - Hackensack Meridian Health Experts Weigh in

Lacey

Berkeley

Karen Wall

Toms River

Manchester

Atlantic County

Philadelphia Metropolitan Area

Galloway

Brick

Lakewood

Point Pleasant

Monmouth County

Howell

Sara Winick

Wall

Join this complimentary educational workshop to learn about legislative tax changes for 2026, protecting your IRAs, and...

Wills, Trusts & Estate Taxes

Temporary Grace is BACK at B2 this Friday! Get ready for a high-energy night of hits from the 60s to today—guaranteed to keep...

Temporary Grace LIVE at B2 Bayville

Join this complimentary educational workshop to learn about legislative tax changes, protecting your retirement plans, and...

Time: 10:30 AM-2:00 PMJoin our registered dietitian at 10:30 AM, as she shares advice on foods that can help your heart health...

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