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." target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">&nbsp;1 in 31 children</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. and 1 in 29 in New Jersey are diagnosed with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">autism spectrum disorder</a>&nbsp;&ndash; a developmental disorder that impacts how a person learns, communicates, and engages with others.&nbsp;
With&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/healthier-you/2023/04/24/autism-what-it-looks-like-6-ways-to-help" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">symptoms</a>&nbsp;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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/autism/?srsltid=AfmBOooyeQCh4mXAucil_PYh4gyIrQRYPEa1_tR9PGg_EHH_P6yCxyH3" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">autism screening</a>&nbsp;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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/cristina-e-farrell/3015809" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">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 - including mandatory participation for pediatric nurses - to better understand autism and learn how to provide a sensory friendly medical environment, Hackensack Meridian Health has implemented key initiatives including:&nbsp;
<ul><li>Sensory Carts: Sensory carts are available across the network in pediatric spaces and 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.&nbsp;</li><li>Patient Passport:&nbsp;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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/eileen-a-dolan/1497182" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">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."&nbsp; More information is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://hackensackmeridianhealth.org/Kids" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Kids</a>.

Monmouth County

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Asbury Park

New Jersey

Jersey Shore University Medical Center Provides...

Approximately 1 in 31 children in the U.S. and 1 in 29 in New Jersey are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder – a developmental disorder that...

Jersey Shore University Medical Center Provides Sensory Friendly Care for Children with Autism

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/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow"> 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" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow"> 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)." target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow"> 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" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow"> 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" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow"> 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."&nbsp; &nbsp;Learn more about<a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/womens-health" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow"> women&rsquo;s health</a> at Hackensack Meridian Health.

Silently Endured: Fibroids - Hackensack...

In the wake of actress Lupita Nyong'o's recent, candid social media post about her ongoing battle with 77 uterine fibroids, the conversation around...

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Men with localized prostate cancer have another treatment option available at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC) with the introduction of a high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) technology known as Focal One&reg;. The non-invasive, radiation-free approach destroys cancerous tissue with pinpoint accuracy, significantly reducing the risk of side effects and preserving patient quality of life.
Standard treatments for localized prostate cancer include radical procedures like removing the entire prostate or radiating the whole gland, each of which carries a higher risk of life-altering side effects. The HIFU approach offers a more personalized approach for select candidates, allowing urologists to treat only the cancerous tissue instead of the entire organ.
&ldquo;The precision is the real game-changer,&rdquo; said <a href="https://doctors.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/mina-m-fam/1497224" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Mina Fam, M.D.</a>, MBA, medical director of uro-oncology at JSUMC and medical director of robotic surgery at Ocean University Medical Center. &ldquo;Before the procedure, we use a patient's MRI scans to map the exact location and shape of the tumor. During the treatment, we pair that MRI data with real-time ultrasound imaging. This gives us a live, 3D view of the prostate. The system then delivers targeted thermal energy with sub-millimeter accuracy, allowing us to destroy the cancerous cells while meticulously sparing the surrounding healthy tissue.&rdquo;
The technology avoids damaging critical structures like the urinary sphincter, which controls urination, and the neurovascular bundles essential for erectile function.&nbsp; &ldquo;Our goal is to attack the cancer without compromising the functions that are so important to a man&rsquo;s daily life,&rdquo; added Dr. Fam. &ldquo;For patients, this means a significantly lower risk of incontinence and impotence.&rdquo;
A convenient patient experience is a key benefit of the procedure, which is performed in a single session, enabling patients to typically go home the same day, and allowing for a quicker recovery time.&nbsp; A retail store owner, 74-year old Joseph Marinaccio of Monmouth County, was one of Dr. Fam&rsquo;s first patients treated with Focal One. &ldquo;It was really beneficial to have this Focal One treatment available so close to home. It got me back to work and life much faster than if I chose other treatments,&rdquo; he shared. &ldquo;I also have peace of mind knowing that my healthy tissue was spared as part of the treatment.&rdquo;

A crucial advantage of the radiation-free HIFU treatment, adds Fam, is that it preserves all future treatment options. If the cancer were to recur, a patient would still be a candidate for any other therapy, including surgery or radiation.
&ldquo;Our goal is to provide the communities we serve with the most advanced treatment options, so they do not have to travel far for the best care. Focal One is a great example of the novel treatment technologies we continue to add to our array of options across specialities,&rdquo; said Vito Buccellato, MPA, LNHA, president and chief hospital executive, JSUMC. Other recent investments in precision cancer treatments include; <a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/news/2026/01/15/non-invasive-ultrasound-for-liver-tumors-comes-to-jersey-shore-university-medical-center" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">histotripsy</a> for liver cancer, <a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/news/2025/04/18/nj-patients-receiving-first-of-its-kind-catheter-based-pancreatic-cancer-treatment" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">trans-arterial micro-perfusion</a> (TAMP&trade;) for pancreatic cancer; and <a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/news/2025/06/17/thriving-under-pressure-aerosol-based-treatment-for-abdominal-lining-cancer-nj" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">pressurized intraperitoneal aerosolized chemotherapy</a> (PIPAC) for peritoneal cancer.
Physicians can now refer patients with localized prostate cancer for HIFU therapy at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. The treatment is also provided at Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center. Individuals interested in making an appointment with Dr. Fam, should call 732-840-4300. For additional information, visit: <a href="http://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/urology/prostate-cancer" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/urology/prostate-cancer</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jersey Shore University Medical Center...

Men with localized prostate cancer have another treatment option available at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC)...

Jersey Shore University Medical Center Introduces High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Prostate Cancer 

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RoBeans Mobile Barista is booking for the spring and summer

RoBeans

RoBeans Mobile Barista is a woman-owned coffee bus based in Asbury Park, serving handcrafted espresso drinks, coffee, and tea at community events, corporate gatherings, schools, and private celebrations. Known for its welcoming service and quality beverages. RoBeans brings "serenity in a cup" wherever it parks.

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Scarlet Reserve Room

We are independently owned, family-driven, and deeply rooted in the Monmouth County cannabis community — not backed by multi-state operators or corporate investors. Our mission is to keep cannabis culture alive in New Jersey while providing safe, premium, and compliant cannabis products to local customers. For anyone who believes in second chances and social equity in the New Jersey cannabis market, our journey shows it’s possible — even when the odds feel stacked against you. We’re proud to lead by example and build a trusted Englishtown and Monmouth County dispensary for the next generation of cannabis consumers and entrepreneurs. Our journey proves that redemption and determination can break barriers. Once facing charges for the very plant now fueling an industry, our founder rebuilt from the ground up — earning degrees, mastering business, and creating safe, trusted spaces for cannabis and wellness. Today, Scarlet Reserve Room stands proudly as an independently owned, legacy-to-legal Englishtown dispensary, keeping culture alive and proving second chances matter.

Monmouth

Englishtown

We are independently owned, family-driven, and deeply rooted in the Monmouth County cannabis community — not backed by multi-state operators or...

Be Supported, Be Successful, and Be Brookdale

Brookdale Community College

At Brookdale Community College, academic excellence, student success, affordability, and community impact are more than priorities. They are the foundation of who we are. Every program, partnership, and learning experience is designed to help students Be Supported, Be Successful, and Be Brookdale as they pursue meaningful and rewarding futures. Our commitment to quality is reflected in what our students experience every day: • 81 percent say professors put significant effort into teaching their classes. • 76 percent report it is easy to get the classes they need. • 92 percent feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation. • A 17 to 1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized support and mentorship. • Graduates earn a median salary of $50,836 five years out, well above the national average. With more than 60 degree and certificate programs, Brookdale offers flexible in-person, hybrid, and online options to meet students where they are. Our seamless transfer pathways—with Rutgers University, Georgian Court University, Kean University, and Monmouth University—allow students to complete their bachelor’s degrees right here in Monmouth County. We also offer more than 40 transfer agreements with leading four-year colleges and universities from Paris to New Jersey and beyond, guaranteeing qualified students junior-year status. Several agreements even provide three-plus-one pathways so your junior year can be completed at Brookdale for significant savings. Students also benefit from robust career services, workforce partnerships, and hands-on learning that prepare them for in-demand careers in nursing, business, engineering, information technology, criminal justice, cybersecurity, liberal arts, and more. Brookdale’s rigorous programs and dedicated faculty empower students to Be Bold, excel in a rapidly changing world, and graduate with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed.

At Brookdale Community College, academic excellence, student success, affordability, and community impact are more than priorities. They are the...

Now accepting Spring and Annual Storage reservations 

The NJ Paddock Car Storage Facility

An INSURED, Secure, Climate Controlled Antique, Classic and Exotic car storage facility.

Blossom (Divorce) Coaching, LLC

Blossom Coaching: Divorce Support, Recovery &amp; Empowerment Divorce can feel overwhelming, chaotic, and uncertain—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Blossom Coaching, I provide compassionate, expert guidance to help individuals move through the challenges of divorce with clarity, courage, and confidence. As a Licensed Mental Health Therapist and Certified Divorce Coach, I bring both professional expertise and personal experience to my work, helping clients untangle the emotional and practical struggles of divorce so they can feel empowered to create their best future. Blossom Coaching offers: In-Person and Virtual Divorce Support &amp; Recovery Groups – Connect with others who truly understand and find strength in community. Individual Coaching – Personalized one-on-one support to meet your unique needs and goals. Workshops – Interactive opportunities to learn strategies, gain tools, and discover your best self after divorce. At Blossom Coaching, you’ll find a safe, supportive space to move forward, rebuild, and blossom into the life that’s waiting for you.

Blossom Coaching: Divorce Support, Recovery & Empowerment Divorce can feel overwhelming, chaotic, and uncertain—but you don’t have to navigate it...

Dead Humpback Whale Washes Up On Sandy Hook Beach

A dead humpback whale is currently washed up on the beach at Sandy Hook.

Crime & Safety

Popular Steakhouse To Replace Salt Creek Grille...

This will be the steakhouse’s fifth New Jersey location and sixth location overall. See details:

Popular Steakhouse To Replace Salt Creek Grille In Rumson

Popular Steakhouse To Replace Salt Creek Grille In Monmouth County

Restaurants & Bars

Man Hit, Killed By Car Near Monmouth Mall...

A pedestrian was hit by a car and killed last Friday morning, March 27 on Rt. 35 in Eatontown.

Man Hit, Killed By Car Near Monmouth Mall Jughandle In Eatontown

Morris County

Morristown

Man Who Shot, Paralyzed Teen Mom, Abandoned Her...

The victim was driven around for hours as she bled in the passenger seat

Man Who Shot, Paralyzed Teen Mom, Abandoned Her Roadside Faces New Charges, Officials Say

🌱 Patch AM: Asbury Park Police Save Suicidal...

Coming up: Company The Musical - April 10, 11, 12 on the Asbury Park Patch calendar

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