Manahawkin, N.J. - November, 12, 2026 &ndash; For the first time since 2010, the American Cancer Society (ACS) has updated its <a href="https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.3322/caac.70112" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">prostate cancer screening guidelines</a>, offering specific, age-based recommendations for PSA blood tests and emphasizing secondary testing, like MRIs, before performing biopsies.
This update provides a much-needed roadmap for a disease that remains the<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/prostate-cancer/statistics/index.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> leading cancer diagnosis for men</a> by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), accounting for<a href="https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/prost.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> nearly 16% of all new cancer cases in the United States</a>, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
The sheer volume of cases underscores the urgent need for smarter, modernized screening. The ACS estimates that in 2026 alone,<a href="https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/about/key-statistics.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> 333,830 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and over 36,000 will die from it</a>. The new guidelines also aim to help close glaring health disparities, emphasizing early screening for high-risk groups, as Black men are<a href="https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/cancer-facts-figures-for-african-americans.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> 67% more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and face nearly twice the mortality rate</a> compared to white men.
Ultimately, the goal of these updated guidelines is to reduce unnecessary procedures while catching more cancers early&mdash;when the disease is highly curable. The NCI reports an<a href="https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/prost.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> overall 5-year relative survival rate of 98.2%</a>, which the ACS notes<a href="https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> jumps to over 99% if the cancer is caught before it spreads outside the prostate gland</a>.
"The newly updated American Cancer Society guidelines are a massive step forward for patient empowerment. For years, the recommendation was simply to 'have a conversation' with your doctor, which often left men in the dark. Now, patients have a concrete game plan. If you are at average risk, you should be getting a PSA blood test every two years between the ages of 50 and 69. If you are high-risk &ndash; specifically if you are a Black man or have a strong family history of the disease &ndash; you need to start getting screened annually at age 45,&rdquo; says <a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/mina-m-fam/1497224" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Mina M. Fam, M.D., MBA</a>, medical director, Robotic Surgery, Hackensack Meridian Ocean University Medical Center and medical director, Urologic Oncology, Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
&ldquo;My advice to patients is to be proactive at your next annual checkup,&rdquo; shares Dr. Fam. &ldquo;Don't wait for your doctor to bring it up; instead, ask them directly: 'Given my age, race, and family history, where do I fall in the new prostate cancer screening guidelines?' One of the biggest fears men have about screening is the risk of an unnecessary and painful biopsy. The beauty of this guideline update is that it officially recommends secondary testing &ndash; like an MRI or a biomarker test &ndash; if your initial PSA is elevated. This means screening is now smarter and safer than ever, allowing us to find dangerous cancers early enough to cure them, while sparing men from unnecessary overtreatment."&nbsp;
Take charge of your health, shares the doctor. &ldquo;Don't let fear or embarrassment keep you from prioritizing your health,&rdquo; he adds. &ldquo;Routine screenings are simple, highly individualized, and life-saving.&rdquo;
To learn more about prostate cancer screening and care at Hackensack Meridian Health, visit<a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/urology/prostate-cancer" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/urology/prostate-cancer" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/urology/prostate-cancer</a>.
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Ocean County

Veronica Flesher

New York City Metropolitan Area

Barnegat-Manahawkin

New Jersey

Hackensack Meridian Health Expert Weighs in on...

Manahawkin, N.J. - November, 12, 2026 – For the first time since 2010, the American Cancer Society (ACS) has updated its prostate cancer screening...

Hackensack Meridian Health Expert Weighs in on Updated ACS Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines

A Hackensack Meridian Children&rsquo;s Health expert shares more
Manahawkin, N.J. - November 9, 2026 - With Thanksgiving break right around the corner, many college students are preparing to return home for the first time since the fall semester began. While this is an exciting time for families to reconnect, it&rsquo;s also an important opportunity for parents to check in on the mental well-being of both their college-aged children and younger adolescents at home.
The numbers surrounding teen and young adult mental health remain a critical area of focus. In fact, according to the 2024 - 2025 Healthy Minds Study &ndash; the nation&rsquo;s largest annual survey on college mental health &ndash; <a href="https://healthymindsnetwork.org/research/data-for-researchers/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">37% of college students report experiencing moderate to severe depressive symptoms, and 32% report moderate to severe anxiety</a>. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s Youth Risk Behavior Survey published in 2024, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/yrbs/dstr/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">40% of U.S. high school students reported experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness</a>.
While these statistics are concerning, It&rsquo;s important to keep in mind that parents play an important role in providing support and recognizing when their student is struggling. This includes how to identify changes in your child&rsquo;s mental health, navigate shifting dynamics as they gain independence, and ensure the right support is in place.
Recognizing changes in your teen&rsquo;s baseline
While social media contributes to mental health challenges, it isn't the only factor. Family dynamics, hormonal changes, and general feelings of disconnect can also play a role.
A desire for privacy, slight moodiness, or spending more time with friends is expected teenage behavior. However, parents should look out for more drastic shifts. Red flags include sudden changes in school performance, poor hygiene, altered sleep patterns, unexplained physical complaints, or completely pulling away from people. If your teen seems very different than they used to be, it might be time to start a conversation.
<ul><li>Avoid making it punitive: Don't start the conversation by getting upset over something you disapprove of, such as how much time they spend on their phone or staying out too late</li><li>Engage in an activity first: Teens are often more comfortable opening up when you are doing something together, like chores around the house or taking a drive in the car</li><li>Keep it simple: Expressing a simple observation like, "You don&rsquo;t seem like yourself lately, are you doing okay?" can sometimes be enough to get started</li><li>Leave the door open: If they don't want to talk right away, the conversation isn't a failure. You've successfully opened the door for them to approach you when they are ready</li></ul>
The shift from high school to college and from manager to consultant

When students come home for Thanksgiving break, families often need to renegotiate their relationship. Parents are used to being the &lsquo;manager&rsquo; of the relationship, usually overseeing and setting schedules for sleeping, eating, homework and activities for their kids. But once they&rsquo;re off to college, mom and dad become the &lsquo;consultant&rsquo; and serve more in a supportive role. This dynamic may cause some friction during that first visit home. Even the dynamic between your student and siblings may change &ndash; all things to keep in mind.&nbsp;
Tips for navigating the holiday break
<ul><li>Renegotiate household rules: Your child has had months to practice being on their own. Discuss expectations for curfews, chores, borrowing the family car and other things now that they are back under your roof</li><li>Encourage resilience: If they are feeling overwhelmed by college life, listen and remind them that struggling to adjust to a new situation is to be expected and that sometimes it takes a little time to settle in</li><li>Look for the baseline: Parents should look for signs of a new or greater consumption of alcohol or other substances &ndash; especially in college freshman, as the first six-weeks away is a high-risk period for this behavior with students often wanting to &lsquo;fit in.&rsquo; And in general, go with your gut. If something seems &lsquo;off,&rsquo; start with a conversation. If your student truly doesn&rsquo;t seem like themselves, it&rsquo;s okay to navigate next steps with a mental health professional</li></ul>
Help your student take charge of their mental health today by staying observant, keeping the lines of communication open, and planning ahead.
<a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/stacy-james-doumas/1319942" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Stacy Doumas, M.D., MBA</a>, is chair of Psychiatry for the Southern Region of Hackensack Meridian Health and chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
For more resources on supporting your child's mental health and well-being, visit Hackensack Meridian Health Children's Health at <a href="http://hackensackmeridianhealth.org/kids" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">HackensackMeridianHealth.org/kids</a>.&nbsp;
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Making the Most of the Holiday Break: A Mental...

A Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health expert shares more...

Making the Most of the Holiday Break: A Mental Health Check-In for Students and Parents

At Team Bator &ndash; RE/MAX at Barnegat Bay, I believe real estate is about much more than buying and selling property. It's about people, families, investments, and the communities we call home.
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Your Real Estate Goals deserve honesty,...

At Team Bator – RE/MAX at Barnegat Bay, I believe real estate is about much more than buying and selling property. It's about people, families,...

Your Real Estate Goals deserve honesty, transparency, and expert representation!

From left: SOMC Nursing Patient Care Director Jennifer Dumawal; AHA Regional Executive Michael Draine; SOMC President Brian Walch; SOMC Clinical Services Director Carl MaslagManahawkin, N.J. - November 5, 2026 &ndash; The American Hospital Association (AHA) announced that it has honored Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center (SOMC) in appreciation of its 50 years of participation and leadership in the AHA.&nbsp;

&ldquo;The American Hospital Association is proud to recognize Southern Ocean Medical Center for 50 years of membership in the AHA and for their continued commitment to serving their patients in Ocean County,&rdquo; said AHA Regional Executive Michael Draine, who recently presented the award to hospital leadership. &ldquo;We thank their leaders, caregivers and other staff for their dedication to improving health and providing the highest quality care.&rdquo;


&ldquo;We are honored to be recognized for a half-century of membership and are incredibly proud of our long-standing partnership with the American Hospital Association,&rdquo; said SOMC President and Chief Hospital Executive Brian Walch. &ldquo;As stewards of our community, we share a unified mission with the AHA to ensure the best possible health for the residents of southern Ocean County and beyond. This recognition is a testament to our amazing team members, whose dedication and clinical expertise make this high-quality care possible every single day.&rdquo;
Founded in 1972, Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center (SOMC) is a 176-bed hospital featuring 230 physicians across 40+ specialties. SOMC is recognized for excellence in maternity care, stroke care, and surgical safety, with a highly decorated cardiovascular program that has earned the American Heart Association&rsquo;s Get With The Guidelines&reg; - Heart Failure Gold Plus with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll and the ACC&rsquo;s 2024 Gold Performance Achievement Award in Chest Pain - MI Registry. SOMC is rated High Performing in Leukemia, Lymphoma &amp; Myeloma by U.S. News &amp; World Report (2026-2027), and features an ASMBS-designated Center of Excellence for bariatric surgery. As part of a landmark investment in community health, SOMC is currently expanding to six state-of-the-art operating rooms to enhance its robust robotics program, utilizing the da Vinci Xi&trade; Surgical System to deliver superior, minimally invasive surgical care.

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(Photo credit: Hackensack Meridian Health)

Southern Ocean Medical Center Receives Half...

From left: SOMC Nursing Patient Care Director Jennifer Dumawal; AHA Regional Executive Michael Draine; SOMC President Brian Walch; SOMC Clinical...

Southern Ocean Medical Center Receives Half Century Nod from American Hospital Association

A Hackensack Meridian Health expert weighs in
Manahawkin, N.J. - November 5, 2026 &ndash; As our bodies adjust to the recent time change, many of us are waking up feeling a bit groggy and reaching for an extra cup of coffee. But if you are one of the millions of people who take medication for an underactive thyroid, you might want to watch the clock before you take that first sip.
Coffee is a complex beverage filled with active compounds that can significantly alter how your body processes oral medications &ndash; especially levothyroxine. Levothyroxine is a synthetic hormone prescribed to treat hypothyroidism. It replaces thyroxine, an essential hormone that regulates your metabolism, energy levels, heart rate, and body temperature.
Because levothyroxine requires a very specific, highly acidic stomach environment to dissolve, drinking coffee shortly after taking it can lower the medication&rsquo;s absorption by up to 36 percent. That is a massive drop for a drug that relies on precise dosing.
How Coffee Hijacks Your Medication Coffee interferes with your thyroid medication in a few specific ways:
<ul><li>It speeds up digestion: Coffee stimulates your gastrointestinal tract. This increased movement rushes the pill through your system before it has enough time to properly absorb into your intestinal walls, meaning the drug is excreted as waste before it can work.</li><li>It acts like a chemical sponge: Coffee contains hundreds of plant compounds. These substances physically bind to levothyroxine molecules, trapping the medication and preventing it from entering your bloodstream. And because decaffeinated coffee contains these exact same plant chemicals, it blocks absorption just like regular coffee.</li><li>Dairy blocks absorption: If you add milk or creamer to your brew, the calcium binds directly to the hormone molecules. This forms a large, clunky, insoluble complex that is simply too big to pass through your intestinal walls and thereby preventing you from getting the full dose of the medication.</li></ul>
When your medication isn't fully absorbed, your body remains in a state of hormone deficiency. You might experience chronic fatigue, brain fog, unexplained weight gain, and a constant feeling of being cold. Long-term, poorly managed hypothyroidism can lead to elevated cholesterol, heart disease, and severe depression.
The good news? You absolutely do not have to give up your morning coffee. You just need to be strategic:
<ul><li>Wait at least 60 minutes. The easiest way to protect your medication is to take your pill with a glass of water the moment you wake up, then set a timer. Waiting a full hour gives your stomach the time it needs to dissolve the pill without interference.</li><li>Consider taking it at bedtime. If waiting an hour tests your morning willpower, ask your doctor about nighttime dosing. As long as your stomach is empty (meaning you haven't eaten for three to four hours), the medication can absorb while you sleep. You just need to take it at the same time every night.</li><li>Look into alternative formulations. Not all levothyroxine is the same. Liquid or soft gel-capsule forms dissolve much faster and are highly resistant to coffee interference. Keep in mind that these forms can be more expensive and may require insurance pre-approval, but they are worth discussing with your doctor if you are struggling with absorption.&nbsp;</li></ul>
Properly timing your thyroid medication makes all the difference in how you feel, ultimately keeping your metabolism &ndash; and your mornings &ndash; running smoothly.
Jennifer Cheng, D.O., is the Chief of Endocrinology at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center and an Associate Professor of Medicine, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.
For additional information, visit <a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/endocrinology-and-diabetes" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/endocrinology-and-diabetes</a>.&nbsp;
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(photo: vecteezy.com)

Time Change Tiredness? Why Extra Coffee Could...

A Hackensack Meridian Health expert weighs in...

Time Change Tiredness? Why Extra Coffee Could Sabotage Your Thyroid Medication

An Essex County home inspector has built a free website that lets anyone look up the public records behind a New Jersey property &mdash; building permits, flood zones, fire history, oil tanks and contamination sites, property taxes, and more &mdash; by typing in an address.
The site, <a href="https://oprasearch.app/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Permit &amp; Parcel</a>, covers all 564 New Jersey municipalities and brings together records from official sources, including state and county databases, FEMA flood maps, and the towns&rsquo; own municipal codes. No account or email is required, and there&rsquo;s no cost. Since launching this spring it has handled more than 18,000 searches from every county in the state.
&ldquo;I kept watching buyers fall in love with a house before anyone checked the paper trail &mdash; the open permits, the flood zone, what the town actually requires when a home changes hands,&rdquo; said Leo Betancor, a Certified Master Inspector based in Cedar Grove and the founder of the site. &ldquo;All of that is public record. It just wasn&rsquo;t in one place anyone could actually use.&rdquo;
&ldquo;And it isn&rsquo;t only for buyers,&rdquo; Betancor added. &ldquo;With rates where they are, a lot of people are staying put. The house you already own has a paper trail too &mdash; an old oil tank, a flood zone change, a lead service line &mdash; and most owners have never seen it.&rdquo;
Alongside the main lookup, the site includes free single-purpose tools: a <a href="https://oprasearch.app/tools/contamination/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">contamination and tank lookup</a> showing known spill sites and registered tanks near any address, a <a href="https://oprasearch.app/tools/lead-pipes/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">lead water pipe check</a>, a <a href="https://oprasearch.app/tools/lead-safe/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">lead-safe inspection lookup</a> showing which of the two state-required inspection methods each town uses under New Jersey&rsquo;s lead paint law, a searchable <a href="https://oprasearch.app/lead-contractors/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">directory of DCA-certified lead evaluation and abatement contractors</a> sorted by distance, a <a href="https://oprasearch.app/tools/fire/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">fire-incident map</a> built from more than 40 years of state fire records, and a <a href="https://oprasearch.app/tools/radon/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">radon map</a> covering every municipality.
Homeowners can also <a href="https://oprasearch.app/tools/tax/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">look up property taxes and assessments</a>, <a href="https://oprasearch.app/tools/hvac-age/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">check the age of a furnace, air conditioner or water heater</a>using its serial number, and <a href="https://oprasearch.app/tools/co/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">find their town&rsquo;s certificate-of-occupancy requirements</a> before selling or renting a home.
A companion site, <a href="https://njflood.zone/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">njflood.zone</a>, gives instant FEMA flood-zone answers for any New Jersey address &mdash; built after the federal government shutdown left FEMA&rsquo;s own map site unreliable &mdash; running on the site&rsquo;s own servers with the complete flood map data for the state loaded locally.
Permit &amp; Parcel carries no advertising and is funded entirely by Smart Choice Inspections, Betancor&rsquo;s Cedar Grove home inspection company. Readers who find the site useful and need an inspection can claim <a href="https://callsmartchoice.com/patch" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">$100 off a qualifying home inspection</a>, or learn more on <a href="https://callsmartchoice.com/leobetancor/?gift=credit100&amp;campaign=patch" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Betancor&rsquo;s page</a>.
The project was recently featured in <a href="https://www.tapinto.net/towns/east-hanover-slash-florham-park/columns/at-home-with-holly/articles/deep-dive-conversations-what-the-house-won-t-tell-you" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">TAPinto</a>. Both sites are free at <a href="https://oprasearch.app/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">oprasearch.app</a> and <a href="https://njflood.zone/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">njflood.zone!</a>

Essex County

Eric Kiefer

Montclair

Cedar Grove Home Inspector Builds Free Property...

An Essex County home inspector has built a free website that lets anyone look up the public records behind a New Jersey property — building permits...

Cedar Grove Home Inspector Builds Free Property-Records Lookup for Every NJ Town

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

TUCKERTON - SOUTHERN OCEAN&nbsp; MEDICAL CENTER is hosting FREE Wellness Screenings on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. - Noon at the Tuckerton Pantry, 148 North Green Street, Tuckerton. Join us on our Your Health on the Move Van as medical staff perform wellness screenings, which include blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol, and stroke risk assessments. *Fasting is not required. Registration is encouraged but not required. Walk-ins welcome. For more information, visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Events or call 1-800-560-9990 for more information.
WARETOWN - SOUTHERN OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER is hosting a FREE lecture on Mental Health Jeopardy on Monday, November 16, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Township of Ocean Recreation Center, 239 11th Street, Barnegat. Join our nurse educator as she discusses methods to reduce stress and anxiety. For more information, visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Events or call 1-800-560-9990.

LITTLE EGG HARBOR - SOUTHERN OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER is hosting a FREE lecture on Navigating Diabetes During the Holidays on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, from 11 a.m. - Noon at Ocean County Library - Little Egg Harbor, 290 Mathistown Rd, Little Egg Harbor.&nbsp; Join our health educator for an engaging and practical program designed to help you enjoy the holiday season while maintaining healthy eating habits. Learn simple strategies for making balanced food choices, managing portion sizes, and enjoying festive meals without guilt or deprivation. Visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Events or call 1-800-560-9990 for more information.
WEBINARS
HMH Network- is offering a FREE Webinar: Don't Wait to Breathe Easy: Understanding Lung Cancer on Wednesday November 18, 2026 from Noon - 1 p.m. Join Rachel NeMoyer, M.D. to learn what it takes to breathe easier. What you should know about your lungs and lung cancer.&nbsp;&nbsp;
To Register: <a href="http://hackensackmeridianhealth.org/events" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://hackensackmeridianhealth.org/events</a> Left hand side, select Event Topic filter for Cancer Care
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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 November (locations vary):...

Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center November Events

This property features a new vinyl bulkhead, new roof, siding, gutters, hot water heater, and fresh paint throughout. &nbsp;Huge oversized property (80x148) with a detached garage. &nbsp;This is a rare find!!&nbsp;<a href="https://eugenebator.remaxbb.com/details/?mlsid=22632117&amp;mls=135&amp;ppc=&amp;addht=playbook-promote-listing-195&amp;view_timing=2" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">eugenebator.remaxbb.com/details/?mlsid=22632117&amp;mls=135&amp;ppc=&amp;addht=playbook-promote-listing-195&amp;view_timing=2</a>

11 Sylvia Ln. Beach Haven West - Just 699,000!

This property features a new vinyl bulkhead, new roof, siding, gutters, hot water heater, and fresh paint throughout.  Huge oversized property ...

A Hackensack Meridian Children&rsquo;s Health expert weighs in
Manahawkin, N.J. - October 21, 2026 - As a child psychiatrist and a mother of five who has navigated this firsthand, I know that while most of us think of Halloween as a sugar-fueled night of make-believe, it can actually be a psychological minefield for many children. For kids dealing with anxiety, trauma, grief, or neurodivergence, the spooky season doesn't just cause a few goosebumps &ndash; it can trigger genuine distress and sensory overload.
There is a marked biological difference between a fun fright and real panic. Most kids love a safe scare. They scream, they laugh, and they are fine, because they ultimately feel in control. However, Halloween becomes distressing when a child loses that sense of safety. Jump scares, being chased, or gore they cannot make sense of can easily set off a real fight-or-flight response.
Part of the issue is a developmental disconnect. Preschoolers literally haven't mastered the difference between fantasy and reality yet, so to them, a person in a mask may really have become a monster. While school-age children know Halloween sights and sounds are pretend, those scary images can still stick with them at bedtime. For tweens and teens, the risks shift to horror movies, extreme haunted houses, and peer pressure. Children with anxiety, a history of trauma, or neurodivergence are especially vulnerable at any age.
We also don't often think about unexpected trauma and grief. Tombstone props and skeletons can be incredibly painful for a child mourning a recent loss. Similarly, fake blood, weapons, and even hospital costumes can deeply trigger kids who have survived real-life accidents or scary medical procedures. When you add in the sensory overload of scratchy costumes, loud crowds, and the pressure to perform by talking to strangers in the dark, the environment can quickly overwhelm a child's nervous system.
So, how can we help? My number one mantra is that preparation beats reassurance after the fact. I encourage parents to walk past scary houses in the daylight to demystify the decorations, or show young kids how a mask goes on and off. You can also preview the evening in advance with a simple social story using plain, calm language so they know exactly what to expect.
It is also crucial not to shame your child. Avoid telling your child not to be a baby if they act fearful or are hesitant to participate. Shame doesn't make fear go away; it just teaches kids to stop telling you about it.
Instead, let the child set the pace, and never force a haunted house or a jump scare for fun. I saw this with my own five kids. When they were younger, some didn't like to wear complicated costumes, some got worn out from walking too long, and some didn't like people in scary costumes. It is completely normal for kids in the same family to react very differently. Create a safe opt-out word, allow partial or no costumes, offer sensory supports like noise-canceling headphones, and remember that it&rsquo;s okay to pivot to predictable, autumn-based themes like pumpkins and harvests instead.
Ultimately, the goal of Halloween isn't to force participation in traditions that cause distress, but to create joyful, safe memories for your family. By tuning into your child's unique needs and prioritizing their sense of safety over neighborhood expectations, you can help them navigate the spooky season with confidence &ndash; ensuring the holiday stays a treat, rather than a trick.
<a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/stacy-james-doumas/1319942" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Stacy Doumas, M.D., MBA</a>, is chair of Psychiatry for the Southern Region of Hackensack Meridian Health and chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

For more resources on supporting your child's mental health and well-being, visit Hackensack Meridian Health Children's Health at <a href="http://hackensackmeridianhealth.org/kids" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">HackensackMeridianHealth.org/kids</a>.&nbsp;
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(photo: vecteezy.com)

Why Halloween Can Be a Psychological Minefield...

A Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health expert weighs in...

Why Halloween Can Be a Psychological Minefield for Kids – and How to Help 

A Hackensack Meridian Health expert provides tips during Menopause Awareness Month
Manahawkin, N.J. - October 20, 2026 - Women often hear a lot about the importance of bone health, but the medical guidance on exactly when and how to take action can often feel conflicting. You might have been told by a doctor that you don't need to worry about getting a bone density scan until you hit age 65. However, <a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/soma-mandal/5921600" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Soma Mandal, M.D.</a>, medical director of Women&rsquo;s Health at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, is weighing in to change that narrative.
&ldquo;There is a growing conversation to address bone prevention much earlier than 65,&rdquo; Dr. Mandal shares. She emphasizes that taking proactive steps to protect your bones should be a lifelong journey &ndash; and one that begins well before menopause.
According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db405.htm" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">nearly 1 in 5 women (18.8%)</a> aged 50 and older have osteoporosis. Furthermore, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that osteoporotic fractures account for <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9546973/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">more than 2 million new cases </a>per year.
Here is how you can navigate your bone health journey through the decades, understand the screening discrepancies, and take control of your fracture risk.
Your 40s and 50s: Advocacy and Establishing a BaselineThe current U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines state that women should get their first DEXA (bone density) scan at age 65 if they have no known risk factors. But here lies a critical discrepancy: 65 is the age when fracture risk begins to steeply climb, but the most significant bone density loss actually happens around age 52, the average age of menopause.

&ldquo;We don&rsquo;t usually associate menopause with changes in our bones,&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;Estrogen helps protect our bones from breakdown, but as we lose estrogen during menopause, we start to lose that protection.&rdquo;

To bridge this gap, Mandal utilizes the FRAX (Fracture Risk Assessment) tool, which estimates a 10-year fracture risk by incorporating factors like BMI, prior fractures, family history, smoking, alcohol consumption and steroid use. This helps determine who needs a DEXA scan before 65. The scan provides a T-score, which compares your current bone density to the peak bone strength of a healthy 30-year-old.
What you can do now:
<ul><li>Advocate for yourself: Ask your doctor if your risk factors warrant an early scan.&nbsp;</li><li>Consider Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT):&nbsp;While previous studies caused a generation of women to fear increased breast cancer risks, Mandal stresses that HRT is highly effective and requires a personalized conversation with your doctor.</li><li>Lifestyle interventions: Engage in weight-bearing and resistance exercises, take Vitamin D supplements, avoid smoking, and limit alcohol intake.</li></ul>
Your 60s: Taking Action and Targeted Treatments
If you reach your 60s and a DEXA scan reveals low bone density, do not panic. "It is never too late," Mandal encourages. "Bone is a living tissue. You still have opportunities to strengthen your bones and reduce your fracture risk." At this stage, your doctor will closely monitor your T-score. If your risk is elevated, they may recommend non-hormone medications designed to build bone or slow its breakdown.

What you can do now:
<ul><li>Explore medication options: First-line treatments often include bisphosphonates, though some women may benefit from SERMs (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators) or certain anabolic agents.</li><li>Understand the goal: The objective isn't necessarily to get you back to "normal" bone density. Instead, doctors use these medications for a targeted time frame (usually 5 to 7 years) to significantly reduce your risk of a fracture from happening.</li></ul>
Your 70s and Beyond: Fracture and Fall Prevention
As you enter your 70s and beyond, the primary focus shifts heavily toward preventing falls. According to the CDC, falls are the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/facts-stats/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/falls/facts.htm" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries</a> among adults aged 65 and older, and they cause over 90% of hip fractures. Treatment at this age is highly individualized based on your FRAX score. 
What you can do now:
<ul><li>Assess home safety: Don't walk in slippery socks on hardwood floors, ensure your rugs are secure, and install grip rails in the shower and on stairs.</li><li>Enhance mobility and vision:&nbsp;Regular eye exams are vital, and do not hesitate to use a walker or cane regularly if you need one.</li></ul>
Osteoporosis and severe bone loss are preventable diseases, and it's time to shift the conversation. Don't wait until you're 65 to think about your bones. Be an advocate for your own health, understand your risk factors, and start building a foundation of strength today.
To learn more about bone health and bone density scanning, visit <a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/radiology-and-imaging" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/radiology-and-imaging</a>.&nbsp;
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(photo: vecteezy.com)

A Woman’s Journey to Lifelong Bone Health

A Hackensack Meridian Health expert provides tips during Menopause Awareness Month...

Manahawkin, N.J. - On Tuesday, December 15, Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center is sponsoring a blood drive at the hospital in collaboration with Vitalant. The event will take place 10:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. in the hospital&rsquo;s Beach Plum Conference Room, 1140 Rt. 72 West, Manahawkin. Donors must be at least 16-years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and haven&rsquo;t donated whole blood in the eight weeks prior to the appointment. To participate, donors are encouraged to register for an appointment at <a href="https://donors.vitalant.org/dwp/portal/dwp/appointment/guest/phl/timeSlotsExtr?token=ZJvCnKX76F1ZSAijtwvmLHTkQ6Z6dt6cOgZKz8vCLBE%3D" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">donors.vitalant.org</a> (use code: XSOMC) or by calling 877-258-4825 and must present identification upon arrival.&nbsp;

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(photo: <a href="http://vecteezy.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">vecteezy.com</a>)

Blood Drive at Hackensack Meridian Southern...

Manahawkin, N.J. - On Tuesday, December 15, Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center is sponsoring a blood drive at the hospital in...

Blood Drive at Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center 

A Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center expert weighs in
Manahawkin, N.J. - October 16, 2026 - Shorter daylight hours and wet, slippery leaves serve as a timely reminder for older adults: it is time to safeguard against seasonal hazards. Falls are the leading cause of injury for people over 65, with one in four older Americans falling each year, according to the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/falls/about/index.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.&nbsp;</a>
When these seasonal falls lead to a hospital visit, specialized care makes all the difference. Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center (SOMC) recently achieved Geriatric Emergency Department (ED) accreditation from the American College of Emergency Physicians, recognizing its dedication to providing specialized, high-quality care for the region's aging population.
&ldquo;With about one-third of Ocean County residents aged 60 and older, protecting this population from seasonal hazards is a top priority,&rdquo; says <a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/paul-mastrokyriakos/1316284" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Paul Mastrokyriakos, DO</a>, medical director of the Emergency Department at SOMC. &ldquo;As an accredited Geriatric ED, our team is uniquely equipped to care for seniors when emergencies happen; however, our ultimate goal is to keep you safely at home. Simple, proactive home modifications are the most effective way to prevent severe injuries.&rdquo;
To keep your home safe this season, consider these simple, proactive steps:
<ul><li>Light the Way and Clear Floors: Less daylight means indoor lighting is crucial. Add lamps to your living spaces, utilize voice-controlled smart devices, or install touch-activated bedside lights so you never navigate in the dark. Clear your floors of throw rugs, electrical cords, and shoes.</li><li>Safeguard Your Steps: Autumn leaves can make outdoor steps treacherous. Ensure all indoor and outdoor staircases feature sturdy handrails on both sides and use motion-sensor lights to keep landings brightly lit.</li><li>Optimize Kitchens and Bathrooms: Move frequently used kitchen items to lower shelves and use a step stool with a railing or a reacher-grabber tool to avoid overextending. In the bathroom, prevent falls by installing a comfort-height toilet, screw-mounted grab bars, and a slip-resistant shower chair.</li><li>Adjust Bedrooms and Outdoor Chores: Keep a bench in your bedroom to sit on while dressing. When tackling seasonal outdoor chores, ensure your garage has a wide, clear path, and swap out heavy lifting for wheeled garbage and recycling bins.</li></ul>
Take action now so you can confidently avoid falls and enjoy many more autumn seasons to come.
For information about Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center, visit<a href="http://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/locations/southern-ocean-medical-center" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/locations/southern-ocean-medical-center</a> or call 844-HMH-WELL.
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(photo: vecteezy.com)

Stop the Slip: Seasonal Home Safety Tips to...

A Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center expert weighs in...

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