PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Local photographer Denise Maynard was spending time at her favorite place, Lake Horicon in Lakehurst, when she spotted this honey bee hard at work. Isn’t nature great? Spring officially arrives on March 20th. Want to see your photos in this space? Sunrise, sunset, nature or any Jersey Shore related pic you want to show off ! Email them to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may win a prize!

Ocean County To Kick O 15 Years For Free Shredding Program

By Bob Vosseller

OCEAN COUNTY – The Ocean County Residential Document Shredding Program will kick off on March 29 in Lakewood.

The program is free to Ocean County residents only and commercial documents will not be accepted at the collection sites.

“In 2022, 90 tons of paper were recycled - all of which was collected at the County’s Residential Document Shredding sites. You are not limited to which site you have to attend, so we encourage residents to go to whichever is more convenient for them,” Ocean County Commissioner Barbara Jo Crea said.

While registration is not required, she noted the program is very popular and often sites fill up fast. Residents are limited to four file boxes or clear bags, or 100 pounds of confidential documents per car.

The shred units feature an automatic feeding and dumping system that eliminates human contact with private documents. Paper must be in a manageable container; paper clips and staples do not need to be removed.

Residents are requested to stay in their vehicles at all times, and to have the materials to be shredded in the trunk, cargo area, or truck bed of their vehicle to make it easily accessible to the staff who will remove them.

Items that are not acceptable include magazines, books, junk mail, hanging file folders, greeting cards, photos, x-rays, CDs, floppy disks, microfilm, shredded paper and garbage. In addition, moldy or wet paper and plastic bags should not be included in the shredding.

Each shredding event runs from 9 a.m. to noon or until the trucks are full. Each truck has a capacity to hold five to seven tons of paper and all documents are destroyed confidentially on site. The dates and locations for the 2023 schedule are:

March 29 – Lakewood, Public Works Yard, 1

America Avenue

April 1 – Berkeley, Recycling Center Lot, 630

Pinewald Keswick Road

April 15 – Seaside Heights, Recycling Center Lot, Bay Boulevard and Sherman Avenue

April 29 – Stafford, Ocean County Southern Recycling Center, 279 Haywood Road

May 13 – Waretown, Municipal Complex Lot, 50 Railroad Avenue

May 19 – Toms River, Riverwood Parking Lot, 250 Riverwood Drive

June 3 – Jackson, Municipal Building Rear Lot, 95 West Veterans Highway

June 17 – Little Egg Harbor, Community Center Lot, 319 West Cala Breeze Way

June 24 – Point Pleasant Borough High School Lot, 2300 Panther Path

Sept. 9 – Manchester, Soccer Field, 101 South Colonial Drive

Sept. 16 – Lacey, Recycling Center Lot, 820 Municipal Lane

Sept. 23 – Barnegat, Recycling Center Lot, 5 Lippincott Avenue

Oct. 14 – Beach Haven, Parking Lot, Taylor Avenue

Oct. 21 – Brick, Public Works Yard, 836 Ridge Road

Oct. 28 – Beachwood, Municipal Complex Lot, 1600 Pinewald Road

Shredded Paper

Shredded office paper should not be placed with curbside recyclables, and should instead be brought to the drop-off boxes (near Building 105 at the Ocean County Southern Recycling Center in Stafford or Building 68 at the Ocean County Northern Recycling Center in Lakewood) for recycling.

As shredded paper cannot be effectively sorted by Ocean County’s Recyclable Materials Processing Facility, it needs to be recycled separately in order to produce a viable, marketable commodity. The contractor for this year’s program is Toms River based IDSAutoshred.

For more information, visit co.ocean.nj.us/ recycle

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

The 7 Perks Of Eating Salsa

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Today’s article is about the health benefits of salsa, a popular condiment made from tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices.

Salsa is a powerhouse of nutrition that can help improve your overall health and well-being. It is a low-calorie and low-fat condiment that is rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system.

What’s more, salsa contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help protect against certain types of cancer. The ingredients in salsa also have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Here’s a list of the 7 basic ingredients needed to make salsa, and their health benefits:

1. Tomatoes – These are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants like lycopene, which have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

2. Onions – Onions contain antioxidants and sulfur compounds that may help lower blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and improve heart health.

3. Jalapeño peppers – Chili peppers like jalapeño or Serrano contain capsaicin, which may help boost metabolism, reduce inflammation, and improve digestive health.

4. Cilantro – Cilantro is rich in antioxidants and has been shown to have antibacterial properties. It may also help lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Scroll below to see more health benefits of cilantro.

5. Garlic – Garlic has been shown to have dozens of potential health benefits, including reducing blood pressure, improving cholesterol ratios, boosting immune function, and helping with both H. pylori and methane-dominant SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth).

6. Lime juice – Lime juice is a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants, which may help boost immune function and reduce inflammation.

7. Salt – While too much salt can be harmful, a moderate amount of salt is important for proper bodily function. It helps regulate fluid balance, muscle function, and nerve function.

One of the key ingredients in salsa, peppers, contains capsaicin, a compound that has been shown to have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. This means that salsa can add flavor to your meals and help manage pain and inflammation.

Salsa is an excellent option for those looking to manage their weight too. It is a low-calorie condiment that can help you feel full for longer, which may reduce your overall calorie intake. Moreover, it is a healthier alternative to high-sugar or high-sodium condiments such as ketchup, mayonnaise, or barbecue sauce.

Whether you’re using it as a dip for vegetables, a topping for grilled chicken or fish, or adding it to salads and soups, this Mexican favorite is a versatile and delicious condiment that can provide numerous health benefits. In conclusion, if you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious condiment, look no further than salsa. Its nutrient-packed ingredients and anti-inflammatory properties make it a great addition to any healthy diet. So, make sure to add some salsa to your next meal and enjoy all the health benefits it has to offer.

I have a longer version of this article and a recipe. To read that, please visit my website, suzycohen.com.”

(This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Suzy Cohen is the author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist” and “Real Solutions.” For more information, visit www.SuzyCohen.com) ©2022 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.