Around the JerSey Shore Deborah Heart and Lung Center Hosting Women’s Health EXPO

OCEAN COUNTY – “Because YOU Matter,” Deborah Heart and Lung Center is hosting a Women’s Health EXPO on April 29 at the Toms River Clarion on Route 37 West from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This day, focused on YOU, features a full array of health, wellness, and fun activities. A wide range of complimentary health screenings – provided by Deborah’s expert medical team – will be available, including blood pressure, pulse oximetry, body fat analysis, sleep apnea, and peripheral artery disease. As well, physicians and health professionals from Deborah will be on hand to discuss test results, chat about any ongoing health concerns, and share information about nutrition, health, and wellness.

The specialists from Deborah will be joined by a variety of regional healthcare providers offering additional screenings and community services, including:

• Garden State Hearing & Balance Center

• Ivy Rehab

• Mental Mediator

• Ocean County Health Department

• Ocean County Office of Senior Services

• Premier Dermatology Clinic

• Priceless Photo Video

• State of New Jersey Unclaimed Property

• The Eye Professionals of Burlington County

• The Navigator Exchange Program at Center for Family Services

• Wells Fargo Advisors

EXPO participants will be able to shop almost two dozen vendors offering the latest crafts, cosmetics, jewelry, and home goods, as well as enjoying a chair or arm/hand massage from therapists at the New Jersey School of Massage.

The first 200 visitors will receive a swag bag and giveaways, and all participants will have an opportunity to win a designer handbag.

“It is vitally important that we gather women together to focus on themselves,” said Renee Bullock-Palmer, MD, Director of Deborah’s Women’s Heart Center. “Women often put themselves last on the list, but we want them to take some time out for themselves, pause and take stock of their physical and emotional health. We are so excited to bring this opportunity to Toms River.”

The Women’s Health EXPO is being supported by Event Sponsor Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. Additional sponsorship support is being provided by Liberty Bell Bank and OceanFirst Foundation, with support from partners Arista Care Whiting & Manchester, Bayada Home Health Care, Hampton Behavioral Health Center, and NJ School of Massage.

Deborah’s Women’s Health EXPO is April 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Toms River Clarion, 815 Route 37 West, Toms River. Admission is free. For more information, call 609-893-3372.

Spring Ahead – Ready. . . Set. . . Go!

Renee A. Thomaier

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

With spring arriving, we begin thinking about growth and changes outside our doors. The rejuvenation of trees, plants, foods, nesting sites, the birthing of many species – a spectacular time. The dormancy leaves us, for now. Here are some things to think about in preparation of the new season.

Safeguarding your home/storage units/garage: Fix those vulnerable places where wildlife can enter your house – animals are already looking for nesting places. Gutter cleaning, attics, roof repair, installing a chimney cap, closing open gaps around outdoor/indoor pipes, are all great ways to be proactive.

Planting trees/shrubs: Adding/replacing to help birds, squirrels, and raccoons. Remember, if they have somewhere natural to nest, they will be less likely choose your home. Flowers to assist bees and butterflies. When planting trees, choose sites away from your house as squirrels may use them as access points into your home. Tree/shrubs maintenance: Trim tree branches and shrubs near your house, as the overgrowth may give potential access to your home.

Cleanup: Those areas where debris is accumulated, making it less attractive to animals to nest in, as well as rodents, insects, who are drawn to them. Windows: Windows can look like the outside to birds when the reflections of trees, shrubs, for example, appear on your window. As a result, some birds don’t realize the danger and fly into them, often resulting in death. Literally, billions of birds die annually from window strikes. How can you help prevent these? Close curtains/blinds as often as possible. If you are using bird feeders/ baths, place them 3 feet from the window. Further away allows birds to accelerate if they choose to fly towards a window. Hanging chimes that make noise when the wind hits them. Applying bird decals, white tape, or opaque film on the outside glass of windows. These type items are specifically designed for this purpose and should be available at garden centers.

Starting this process now will be something you’ll be thankful for later.

Remember - wear protective clothing/gloves when clearing spaces.

I gathered the information for this article using multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732-244-2768. It’s illegal to possess, relocate, or cause harm to wildlife for any reason. Managing wildlife without the proper state/federal permits is illegal. Violating laws protecting wildlife, are punishable by law.