It's hard to deny that we live in a world where health issues seem to be increasingly common. From allergies that baffle doctors to chronic pain that never seems to go away, it's no secret that many individuals struggle to maintain good health. Respiratory issues, reproductive complications, and other conditions add to the mix, making it clear that we're all susceptible to some kind of malady.
Unfortunately, many modern doctors still believe that throwing pills at the problem or scheduling surgery is the best way to provide long-term relief. While certain serious conditions can warrant such extreme treatments, a large percentage of Americans are looking for something far less harmful and much more holistic. They're looking high and low for a reliable, well-studied solution that doesn't require time off work or sketchy pain medications.
At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, one of the most effective and exciting treatments we've seen work for such patients is acupuncture in Cliffwood Beach, NJ - a modern take on an ancient treatment that has been used for thousands of years.
If you're new to holistic healing, acupuncture may seem intimidating. You might be wondering how needles pressed into your skin could possibly make you feel better. Wouldn't someone pushing a needle into your back be painful? As it turns out, acupuncture is far from painful and is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after treatments for chronic pain and for regulating issues relating to:
In fact, acupuncture has been studied and practiced for over 2,500 years and, more recently, has been researched and supported by many scientific studies. While acupuncture may not be a "miracle" treatment for every type of pain or condition, it has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of issues, from depression and allergies to morning sickness and cramps.
Acupuncture is a therapy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that aims to balance the body's energy, called qi, which flows through pathways called meridians. This balance is crucial for overall wellness, as disruptions to qi can lead to health concerns. According to TCM, inserting small stainless-steel needles into specific points called acupoints along the meridians can help rebalance the flow of qi and restore overall health.
These acupoints are believed to release certain chemicals when stimulated, which can trigger an immune response and promote physiological homeostasis. Recent research suggests that this therapy may help alleviate symptoms of various health ailments.
In fact, the National Institute of Health conducted a survey on complementary health approaches, revealing that acupuncture usage in the United States has increased by 50 percent between 2002 and 2012. As of 2012, 6.4 percent of American adults have reported using acupuncture as a form of treatment.
One of the most common questions from new patients interested in acupuncture typically revolves around whether it really works or whether it's all "new age" malarky. We get it - for most folks, the thought of inserting stainless-steel needles into one's back, arms, or neck sounds loony. However, with the ever-increasing popularity of acupuncture in New Jersey and other locations, numerous studies centering on acupuncture's effectiveness have taken place.
Extensive research has been conducted on the effectiveness of acupuncture for various conditions. A February 2022 analysis published in the BMJ, which evaluated over 2,000 scientific reviews of acupuncture therapies, revealed that acupuncture's efficacy is strongest for:
Additionally, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acupuncture is most effective for pain relief in cases of chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, lower back pain, and tension headaches. Additionally, a review of 11 clinical trials found that acupuncture may also alleviate symptoms associated with cancer treatment, as noted by the NIH.
When meeting with your acupuncturist for the first time, they will discuss your condition with you before conducting a physical examination to identify areas of your body that might respond to acupuncture. The needles used in acupuncture are incredibly thin, sterile, and disposable, with your acupuncturist inserting them at different depths ranging from a fraction of an inch to several inches.
Acupuncture needles are less painful than medical needles used for vaccines or blood draws. This is because acupuncture needles are thinner and solid, not hollow. During the treatment, you may experience some muscle sensations like dull aches or tingling.
Your practitioner will ask you to report any deep heaviness or numbness, which are positive signs that the treatment is working. Depending on the condition you're treating and the supplemental treatments you're undergoing, like physical therapy, acupuncture needles will remain in place for several minutes or up to 30 minutes.
Once your first acupuncture treatment is finished, it's normal to feel extra relaxed and calm. For that reason, some patients like to arrange for a ride home after their first or second session. With that said, you shouldn't experience much pain at all, and it's quite possible for you to return to work after acupuncture.
This is another common question that we get at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness. The simple answer is, "It depends." While we understand that that's not a satisfying answer for some, it's important to understand that every patient is different. Everyone has different bodies and, by proxy, different bodily conditions and issues that need to be addressed.
During your initial consultation at our office, your licensed acupuncturist will go over your needs and goals as it relates to acupuncture therapy. Once your therapist has a good sense of the scope of your needs, they can give you a loose idea of how many sessions you'll need.
Generally speaking, most patients have appointments once a week. Others may require more or less frequent sessions. It's important to note that the full benefits of acupuncture may not be immediately evident after the first or even the second session. It's common for normal patients to undergo up to five treatments to realize the full benefits of acupuncture.
There's no question that acupuncture is more popular than ever as a non-invasive, non-addictive way to reclaim balance and well-being. But what types of conditions can this traditional therapy help alleviate in the modern world? Advances in acupuncture techniques and applications have resulted in some very promising benefits.
Did you know that regular acupuncture treatments can help reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis? In May 2017, a meta-analysis was published, which studied approximately 18,000 patients with chronic pain, such as low back, neck, and shoulder pain, knee OA, and headache or migraine. The analysis found that the benefits of acupuncture therapy in reducing pain lasted for more than 12 months.
That's wonderful news for athletes and other people who push their bodies daily to accomplish goals or bring home money for rent and bills. In fact, many medical experts consider acupuncture as a viable option for managing chronic pain in conjunction with traditional methods like physical therapy and chiropractic care. The idea behind this approach is that acupuncture may trigger the body's natural healing response to alleviate pain.
When a licensed acupuncturist in New Jersey inserts an acupuncture needle, it penetrates your fascia, a connective tissue that wraps around your organs and muscles. Like a slight tickle on your arm, your body realizes that something is happening and responds by delivering lymph fluid, blood, and other important nutrients to speed up healing in affected areas like your knees, back, neck, joints, and more.
If you're like other people who suffer from migraines, you know that once one of them hits, it can be next to impossible to function properly throughout the day. Fortunately, acupuncture in Cliffwood Beach, NJ may be a viable solution if you have to endure migraines often.
A study conducted in 2009 by the Center for Complementary Medicine at the University of Munich analyzed 11 studies involving 2,137 patients who received acupuncture treatment for chronic tension-type headaches. The researchers concluded that acupuncture could be an effective non-pharmacological solution for frequent headaches.
The study compared the effects of acupuncture sessions with sham acupuncture and no treatment at all. Both groups that received acupuncture treatment, whether needles were placed randomly or strategically, reported a reduction in headache symptoms, while the control group reported no change. The group that received real acupuncture treatment also reported a decrease in the number of headache days and intensity of pain in a follow-up survey.
For individuals who struggle with insomnia and other sleep disturbances, acupuncture is a promising therapy. Although sedatives are commonly prescribed for insomnia, long-term use can lead to negative side effects such as dependence and excessive drowsiness.
A study conducted on 72 participants and published in Sleep Medicine in 2017 found that individuals who received acupuncture three times a week for four weeks experienced significant improvements in sleep quality and anxiety compared to those who received sham acupuncture.
Similarly, a review of 30 randomized, controlled trials found that acupuncture was more effective in improving sleep quality and daytime functioning than sham acupuncture.
While many patients choose acupuncture as a way to avoid surgery altogether, those who need surgery also use it for improved recovery. Because, at the end of the day, recovering from surgery is no easy feat. Patients may experience various symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, pain around the incision, restlessness, sleep troubles, constipation, and sore throat.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, healthcare providers may use acupuncture as a way to alleviate some of these symptoms and help with healing. A study published in Integrative Cancer Therapies in January 2017 involving 172 participants found that patients who received acupuncture after surgery reported significant improvements in sleep, anxiety, pain, fatigue, nausea, and drowsiness.
Did you know that supplementing physical therapy with acupuncture and vice versa can have profoundly beneficial effects for patients in New Jersey and across the country? If you're like most, chances are you didn't.
The truth is that acupuncture and physical therapy have both been proven effective in reducing pain and inflammation. While many people view them as separate methods, combining the two modalities can produce a synergistic effect that enhances pain relief and delivers long-lasting benefits to patients.
Physical therapists work with patients of all ages and abilities, from children to elderly adults, to help them overcome physical limitations and improve their quality of life. At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, our physical therapists help treat a wide range of conditions, from neck pain and spinal cord injuries to back pain and arthritis.
To effectively reduce pain and treat tissue injury, a combination of acupuncture and physical therapy can be very helpful. Acupuncture helps to reduce inflammation and release muscle tightness and trigger points, allowing the patient to better receive manual therapy or exercise-based physical therapy techniques. In doing so, acupuncture can actually create a window of time that allows your body to respond better to other treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, such as physical therapy and chiropractic care.
There are many benefits of combining physical therapy with acupuncture in Cliffwood Beach, NJ, including the following:
You may be wondering, "Are there any studies showing these benefits?" As it turns out, there are many. One such study, published on the NIH's website, was conducted on patients suffering from frozen shoulder.
Patients who received acupuncture experienced a significant reduction in pain, while those who underwent physical therapy saw an improvement in range of motion. However, the best outcome was observed in patients who received a combination of both treatments, with reduced pain, increased their range of motion, and improved quality of life. This study highlights the potential benefits of using acupuncture and physical therapy as complementary treatments for frozen shoulder.
It makes sense, then, that people from all walks of life are combining acupuncture with chiropractic treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, including:
At New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, our doctors, practitioners, occupational therapists, and physical therapist specialize in a range of therapies and treatments. Much like physical therapy and acupuncture, combining chiropractic care with acupuncture therapy gives patients a new way to reclaim their mobility, reduce chronic pain, and maintain a healthy quality of life.
Chiropractic care and acupuncture in Cliffwood Beach, NJ are natural healing practices that don't rely on drugs to improve the body's health. They focus on correcting imbalances in the body's structural and supportive systems, promoting natural healing, and ultimately leading to better health. These practices have a proven track record of helping patients improve their quality of life and overcome physical difficulties.
Integrating chiropractic and acupuncture as a dual-modality treatment offers the most efficient solution for removing blockages from the body, promoting balance, and accelerating healing. Rather than using these treatments sequentially, a combined approach allows for maximum benefits at one time.
Chiropractic targets subluxations in the nervous system through manual adjustments, facilitating the central nervous system to promote healing, while acupuncture removes blockages that may hinder the body's internal balance. Together, these treatments work synergistically to optimize energy flow and restore harmony in the body.
When our physical well-being becomes imbalanced, and our innate healing mechanisms are compromised, illnesses can manifest. The integration of acupuncture and chiropractic practices can effectively address a wide range of health conditions that they individually target, such as:
Curious if combining chiropractic care or physical therapy with acupuncture is right for your body? The best way to find out is to make an appointment at our sports rehab clinic in New Jersey. Once our team of medical professionals has a chance to evaluate your conditions, we can explore the best options to provide the most relief in the shortest amount of time possible.
New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness consists of a team of athletic trainers, chiropractors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other professionals. We're very proud and passionate about caring for our patients, many of whom are suffering from debilitating conditions like back and neck pain, plantar fasciitis, sports-related injuries, and more. If you're trying to get on the road to pain relief and recovery, acupuncture may be the non-surgical solution you need to reclaim your life. Contact our office today to learn whether this exciting treatment is right for you.
AdvisoriesMODERATE RISK OF RIP CURRENTS. Life threatening rip currents are possible. Always swim near a lifeguard and remember to heed the advice of the local beach patrol and flag warning systems.At the ShoreCurrent conditions and forecast as of Mon morningRip Current RiskModerateWaves2 - 4 feetWindsFrom the South14 - 18 mph (Gust 24 mph)12 - 16 knots (Gust 21 knots)Ocean...
MODERATE RISK OF RIP CURRENTS. Life threatening rip currents are possible. Always swim near a lifeguard and remember to heed the advice of the local beach patrol and flag warning systems.
Current conditions and forecast as of Mon morning
Rip Current Risk | Moderate |
---|---|
Waves | 2 - 4 feet |
Winds | From the South14 - 18 mph (Gust 24 mph)12 - 16 knots (Gust 21 knots) |
Ocean Temperature | 64° - 75°(Normal 60° - 74°) |
Air Temperature | 69° - 76° |
Sunrise/Sunset | 5:25am - 8:27pm |
UV Index | 7 (High) |
MORE WEATHER: Dan Zarrow's 5 Day Forecast
SANDY HOOKSandy Hook Bay | LowMon 9:58a | HighMon 4:07p | LowMon 10:42p | HighTue 4:25a | |
LONG BRANCHAtlantic Ocean | LowMon 9:22a | HighMon 3:41p | LowMon 10:06p | HighTue 3:59a | |
MANASQUAN INLETAtlantic Ocean | LowMon 9:34a | HighMon 3:55p | LowMon 10:18p | HighTue 4:13a | |
SEASIDE HEIGHTSAtlantic Ocean | LowMon 9:26a | HighMon 3:37p | LowMon 10:10p | HighTue 3:55a | |
SEASIDE PARKBarnegat Bay | HighMon 7:07a | LowMon 2:03p | HighMon 7:47p | LowTue 2:47a | |
BARNEGAT INLETBarnegat Bay | LowMon 9:57a | HighMon 4:07p | LowMon 10:37p | HighTue 4:24a | |
MANAHAWKIN BRIDGEManahawkin Bay | HighMon 6:14a | LowMon 1:37p | HighMon 6:54p | LowTue 2:21a | |
LITTLE EGG INLETGreat Bay | LowMon 10:27a | HighMon 4:58p | LowMon 11:04p | HighTue 5:12a | |
ATLANTIC CITYAtlantic Ocean | LowMon 9:30a | HighMon 3:58p | LowMon 10:13p | HighTue 4:15a | |
OCEAN DRIVE BRIDGETownsends Inlet | LowMon 9:51a | HighMon 4:22p | LowMon 10:30p | HighTue 4:42a | |
WILDWOOD CRESTAtlantic Ocean | LowMon 9:39a | HighMon 4:13p | LowMon 10:20p | HighTue 4:28a | |
CAPE MAYDelaware Bay | LowMon 10:29a | HighMon 5:00p | LowMon 11:12p | HighTue 5:21a |
MORE TIDES: Info for 132 points along the NJ coast
From the National Weather Service, Mt. Holly
TODAY: SE winds around 15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. S swell 2 to 4 ft at 6 seconds. Areas of fog. A slight chance of showers this morning. A chance of showers with a slight chance of tstms early this afternoon, then showers with a chance of tstms late. Vsby 1 to 3 NM.
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TONIGHT: S winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt, becoming SW after midnight. Seas 3 to 4 ft. SE swell 3 to 4 ft at 6 seconds. A chance of tstms. Showers. Areas of fog. Vsby 1 to 3 NM.
TUE: W winds around 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. SE swell 2 to 3 ft at 6 seconds.
TUE NIGHT: SW winds 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. S swell 2 to 3 ft at 5 seconds.
WED: S winds around 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. S swell 2 to 4 ft at 4 seconds. A chance of showers. A chance of tstms in the afternoon.
WED NIGHT: SW winds around 10 kt. Seas 2 to 3 ft. S swell 2 to 3 ft at 5 seconds.
THU: W winds around 10 kt, becoming SW. Seas 2 to 3 ft. A chance of showers through the night.
FRI: W winds 5 to 10 kt. Seas 2 to 3 ft. Winds and seas higher in and near tstms.
Data on this page amalgamated from several sources, including the National Weather Service (weather), National Ocean Service (tides), U.S. Naval Observatory (sun), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (UV index).
Dan Zarrow is Chief Meteorologist for Townsquare Media New Jersey. The Shore Report is generated semi-automatically daily at 5 a.m. from mid-May to late September. Follow Dan's weather blog, Facebook page, and Twitter feed for your latest forecast and realtime weather updates.
Advisories--None at this time.At the ShoreCurrent conditions and forecast as of Fri morningRip Current RiskLowWaves2 - 4 feetWindsFrom the West12 - 18 mph (Gust 26 mph)11 - 16 knots (Gust 23 knots)Ocean Temperature66° - 71°(Normal 64° - 69°)Air Temperature82° - 94°Sunrise/Sunset5:25am - 8:29pm...
--None at this time.
Current conditions and forecast as of Fri morning
Rip Current Risk | Low |
---|---|
Waves | 2 - 4 feet |
Winds | From the West12 - 18 mph (Gust 26 mph)11 - 16 knots (Gust 23 knots) |
Ocean Temperature | 66° - 71°(Normal 64° - 69°) |
Air Temperature | 82° - 94° |
Sunrise/Sunset | 5:25am - 8:29pm |
UV Index | 9 (Very High) |
MORE WEATHER: Dan Zarrow's 5 Day Forecast
SANDY HOOKSandy Hook Bay | LowFri 5:04a | HighFri 11:06a | LowFri 5:10p | HighFri 11:26p | |
LONG BRANCHAtlantic Ocean | HighFri 10:40a | LowFri 4:34p | HighFri 11:00p | LowSat 5:20a | |
MANASQUAN INLETAtlantic Ocean | HighFri 10:54a | LowFri 4:46p | HighFri 11:14p | LowSat 5:32a | |
SEASIDE HEIGHTSAtlantic Ocean | HighFri 10:36a | LowFri 4:38p | HighFri 10:56p | LowSat 5:24a | |
SEASIDE PARKBarnegat Bay | LowFri 9:09a | HighFri 2:46p | LowFri 9:15p | HighSat 3:06a | |
BARNEGAT INLETBarnegat Bay | LowFri 5:06a | HighFri 10:55a | LowFri 5:04p | HighFri 11:14p | |
MANAHAWKIN BRIDGEManahawkin Bay | LowFri 8:43a | HighFri 1:53p | LowFri 8:49p | HighSat 2:13a | |
LITTLE EGG INLETGreat Bay | LowFri 5:35a | HighFri 11:39a | LowFri 5:27p | HighFri 11:59p | |
ATLANTIC CITYAtlantic Ocean | HighFri 10:39a | LowFri 4:35p | HighFri 11:00p | LowSat 5:34a | |
OCEAN DRIVE BRIDGETownsends Inlet | LowFri 5:07a | HighFri 11:14a | LowFri 4:58p | HighFri 11:41p | |
WILDWOOD CRESTAtlantic Ocean | HighFri 10:46a | LowFri 4:36p | HighFri 11:09p | LowSat 5:41a | |
CAPE MAYDelaware Bay | LowFri 5:37a | HighFri 11:48a | LowFri 5:34p | HighSat 12:09a |
MORE TIDES: Info for 132 points along the NJ coast
From the National Weather Service, Mt. Holly
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EDT EARLY THIS MORNING
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH LATE SATURDAY NIGHT
TODAY: SW winds 10 to 15 kt, becoming W late. Gusts up to 20 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Patchy fog early this morning. Isolated tstms this afternoon. Swell mainly from the S with a dominant period of 5 seconds.
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TONIGHT: W winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Swell mainly from the S with a dominant period of 7 seconds.
SAT: NW winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 30 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Swell mainly from the NW with a dominant period of 5 seconds.
SAT NIGHT: NW winds 20 to 25 kt, diminishing to 15 to 20 kt after midnight. Gusts up to 30 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Swell mainly from the N with a dominant period of 5 seconds.
SUN: NW winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft.
SUN NIGHT: NW winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft.
MON: NW winds 10 to 15 kt, becoming W 5 to 10 kt in the afternoon. Seas around 3 ft in the morning, then 2 ft or less.
MON NIGHT: W winds 5 to 10 kt, becoming NW after midnight. Seas 2 ft or less.
TUE: NW winds around 5 kt, becoming S in the afternoon. Seas 2 ft or less.
TUE NIGHT: S winds 5 to 10 kt. Seas 2 ft or less. A chance of showers after midnight. Winds and seas higher in and near tstms.
Data on this page amalgamated from several sources, including the National Weather Service (weather), National Ocean Service (tides), U.S. Naval Observatory (sun), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (UV index).
Dan Zarrow is Chief Meteorologist for Townsquare Media New Jersey. The Shore Report is generated semi-automatically daily at 5 a.m. from mid-May to late September. Follow Dan's weather blog, Facebook page, and Twitter feed for your latest forecast and realtime weather updates.
Some parents of students with special needs say their kids are repeatedly restrained by school personnel. A Kane In Your Corner investigation found restraint is sometimes used in ways that violate New Jersey law. Now, a new approach being rolled out in a handful of districts nationwide raises questions about just how necessary the controversial tactic really is.Sherman Baskerville, 7, has been restrained multiple times at his elementary school in Cliffwood Beach.“They’ll have me down on the ground, and every ...
Some parents of students with special needs say their kids are repeatedly restrained by school personnel. A Kane In Your Corner investigation found restraint is sometimes used in ways that violate New Jersey law. Now, a new approach being rolled out in a handful of districts nationwide raises questions about just how necessary the controversial tactic really is.
Sherman Baskerville, 7, has been restrained multiple times at his elementary school in Cliffwood Beach.
“They’ll have me down on the ground, and every time, I can’t move,” he says.
Sherman’s mother, Shanice Baskerville, says she’s also personally witnessed her daughter being restrained, which she says is “the worst thing I ever saw.”
Anthony Ratliff is still traumatized after being restrained at his old school in Lawrence. Records show it sometimes happened multiple times a day.
“I have ADHD so I can't sit for long. So, I might try to get up,” he says. “If I thought they were going to restrain me, I'd probably run. But then they would restrain me because I was running.”
Q&A: Kane In Your Corner investigates student restraint methods in New Jersey schools. Is it needed?
There are no statistics on how often students are restrained in New Jersey. This is the first year that school districts are required to keep track. But many education advocates contend the practice is overused, which results in physical and psychological damage.
Under New Jersey law, students can only be restrained if they present “an immediate danger” to themselves or others. But Kane In Your Corner reviewed dozens of cases, and found some are restrained for things as trivial as tearing a piece of paper.
Adena Romeo Ratliff, Anthony’s mother, says when she complained, a school official urged her to go along with the tactics: “She said ‘The more we restrain him, the more we'll break this behavior.’”
Matawan-Aberdeen School Superintendent Joseph Majka says he is “not at liberty to discuss the specifics of [Sherman’s] case,” but says, “the district has a legally-compliant policy on restraint and seclusion.”
Lawrence Superintendent Ross Kasun says his district also has “policies in place to comply with the law.”
Education advocate Renay Zamloot contends following the law isn’t enough. Because the law requires districts to train staff on restraint techniques, she says districts come to rely on it, rather than attempting to defuse potential crises before they happen.
“They’re not intervening at the proper point,” Zamloot says.
That may be starting to change. One company, Ukeru Systems, now offers a different kind of training; not on how to restrain students, but on how to avoid needing to. As part of the training, staffers are taught to use foam pads to block out-of-control kids from hurting others.
“If someone's coming to punch me or to bite me, wouldn't it be better if I could block them with something nice and soft?” Ukeru’s CEO, Kim Sanders, asks rhetorically.
Ukeru says districts that complete training typically reduce restraint by 50% or more. The Millcreek district in Pennsylvania reduced the use of restraint from 47 students to zero in two years.
“It’s common sense,” Sanders says. “If you ask a room of 50 adults, ‘what helps you when you’re at your worst?’ you don't get people saying, ‘Restrain me or put me in a room alone.’ If we don't want it, why do we think kids want it?”
Clean Ocean Action's twice-yearly event is set for 9 a.m. Saturday at sites all along the coastlinePatch Staff|Updated Fri, Apr 20, 2012 at 3:50 pm ETIn the 1970s, there was a television ad that depicted a stream choked with trash – aluminum cans and old tires, among other things – and the ad would cut away at the end to a Native American man with a tear running down his cheek.The ads, of course, urged people not to litter, because of what it was doing to the environment.If those ads were done...
Patch Staff
|Updated Fri, Apr 20, 2012 at 3:50 pm ET
In the 1970s, there was a television ad that depicted a stream choked with trash – aluminum cans and old tires, among other things – and the ad would cut away at the end to a Native American man with a tear running down his cheek.
The ads, of course, urged people not to litter, because of what it was doing to the environment.
If those ads were done today in New Jersey, the Indian would be a Lenni Lenape, and he’d be standing on a shoreline choked with plastic bottles and caps, because those are the most commonly discarded items on the beaches of the Jersey Shore, according to Clean Ocean Action.
Clean Ocean Action’s twice-yearly beach sweeps are set for Saturday morning beginning at 9 a.m. at sites up and down the coast, from Sandy Hook to Cape May, as well as some inland sites.
They’ve become an annual rite of spring – a rite the group wishes was unneeded, as it continues to promote its message of protecting the marine environment by recycling and disposing of trash properly.
In the 2011 beach sweeps, more than 7,500 volunteers collected more than 450,000 pieces of debris, from plastic bottle caps and straws to the far more odd items like cell phones, fake vampire teeth, TVs, a prosthetic leg and even an adult-sized Elmo costume, according to the group’s annual report on the sweeps.
“Plastic, including foam, represents 83 percent of the total waste found in 2011,” the group’s website notes. “It is clear: disposable plastic items continue to litter beaches, threaten marine life, and impact water quality.”
This spring’s sweeps, which run until noon, also fall the day before Earth Day, which some towns are marking with events promoting environmental awareness. In Point Pleasant, one of the sites being swept is the Maxson Avenue beach on the Manasquan River, next to Riverfront Park where the borough’s will be held on Saturday immediately following the beach cleanup.
While many of those who volunteer for the beach sweeps arrive in groups who have registered ahead of time, Clean Ocean Action volunteers willingly accept individuals or groups who walk up to a site on Saturday morning to participate.
Here’s a list of sites in Ocean and Monmouth counties where cleanups are being held. Volunteers are usually on site by 8:30 a.m. to begin handing out bags and tally sheets – where you can keep track of the litter you collect. The complete list of sites can be found here.
Aberdeen: Fisherman's Parking Lot at Cliffwood Beach (Next to the roller hockey rink)
Allenhurst: Euclid Avenue beach
Asbury Park (2 sites): 1. Convention Hall at the Boardwalk; 2. North Beach (meet at the dirt lot near Asbury Towers)
Atlantic Highlands: Harbor parking lot on First Avenue
Avon: Pavilion at Norwood & Ocean avenues
Belmar (2 sites): 1. Belmar Fishing Club, First Avenue beach; (2) 16th Avenue beach
Bradley Beach: Gazebo at 5th & Ocean avenues
Deal: Philips Avenue beach
Highlands: (2 sites) 1. Popamore Point on Shore Drive; 2. Snug Harbor Avenue beach (behind Community Center)
Keansburg:- Laurel & Beachway avenues
Keyport: Cedar Street (First Street at waterfront)
Long Branch: Pier Village, meet at public access at Melrose Terrace and Ocean Avenue
Manasquan: Main Street beach
Middletown (3 sites): 1. Leonardo Public Beach South at Beach Avenue; 2. Ideal Beach at Ocean Avenue & Bayside Parkway; 3. Bayshore Waterfront Park, meet at Fishing Pier
Monmouth Beach: Bathing Pavilion at 29 Ocean Ave.
Ocean Grove: Main Street beach; meet at flagpole
Red Bank: Meet at Chapin Avenue
Sandy Hook: Parking Lot D (Seagulls' Nest Restaurant)
Sea Bright (4 sites): 1. Ferguson Beach, north of Rumson/Sea Bright Bridge; 2. Meet at Gaiter's Restaurant Oceanside; 3. Meet at Algarve Milano Oceanside; 4. Meet at Public Beach parking lot
Sea Girt: Boardwalk at Beacon Boulevard
Spring Lake: South End Pavilion at Atlantic & Ocean avenues
Tinton Falls: Historic Tinton Falls. Meet at Crawford House parking lot.
Union Beach: Florence Avenue at Front Street
Bay Head: Central Market, Route 35 and Mount Street
Beachwood: Public Beach, Compass Avenue on the Toms River
Brick: Brick Beach III on Route 35 North, next to Ocean Club and across from Bayside Park
Lavallette: Philadelphia Avenue beach
Mantoloking: Lyman Avenue beach
Normandy Beach: Meet at Labrador Lounge at Peterson Street and Route 35 North
Ocean Gate: Wildwood Avenue Pier
Ortley Beach: Third Avenue beach
Point Pleasant: Maxson Avenue and River Avenue beaches
Point Pleasant Beach (2 sites): 1. beach in front of Jenkinson's Aquarium on the Boardwalk 2. Maryland Avenue Beach
Seaside Heights (2 sites): 1. Grant Avenue on the boardwalk; 2. Bayside boat launch along Route 35 South
Seaside Park (5 sites): 1. Stockton Avenue on the boardwalk; 2. Second Avenue; 3. Midway Beach at 6th Lane; 4. Island Beach State Park Bathing Pavilion 1; 5. 14th. Avenue and South Bayview Avenue
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Advisories--None at this time.At the ShoreCurrent conditions and forecast as of Thu morningRip Current RiskLowWaves1 - 3 feetWindsFrom the South9 - 20 mph (Gust 21 mph)7 - 17 knots (Gust 18 knots)Ocean Temperature76° - 81°(Normal 72° - 76°)Air Temperature79° - 92°Sunrise/Sunset6:29am - 7:21pm...
--None at this time.
Current conditions and forecast as of Thu morning
Rip Current Risk | Low |
---|---|
Waves | 1 - 3 feet |
Winds | From the South9 - 20 mph (Gust 21 mph)7 - 17 knots (Gust 18 knots) |
Ocean Temperature | 76° - 81°(Normal 72° - 76°) |
Air Temperature | 79° - 92° |
Sunrise/Sunset | 6:29am - 7:21pm |
UV Index | 7 (High) |
MORE WEATHER: Dan Zarrow's 5 Day Forecast
SANDY HOOKSandy Hook Bay | LowThu 8:17a | HighThu 2:39p | LowThu 9:29p | HighFri 3:12a | |
LONG BRANCHAtlantic Ocean | LowThu 7:41a | HighThu 2:13p | LowThu 8:53p | HighFri 2:46a | |
MANASQUAN INLETAtlantic Ocean | LowThu 7:53a | HighThu 2:27p | LowThu 9:05p | HighFri 3:00a | |
SEASIDE HEIGHTSAtlantic Ocean | LowThu 7:45a | HighThu 2:09p | LowThu 8:57p | HighFri 2:42a | |
SEASIDE PARKBarnegat Bay | HighThu 5:56a | LowThu 12:22p | HighThu 6:19p | LowFri 1:34a | |
BARNEGAT INLETBarnegat Bay | LowThu 8:20a | HighThu 2:36p | LowThu 9:31p | HighFri 3:13a | |
MANAHAWKIN BRIDGEManahawkin Bay | HighThu 5:03a | LowThu 11:56a | HighThu 5:26p | LowFri 1:08a | |
LITTLE EGG INLETGreat Bay | LowThu 8:47a | HighThu 3:28p | LowThu 9:57p | HighFri 3:55a | |
ATLANTIC CITYAtlantic Ocean | LowThu 7:49a | HighThu 2:22p | LowThu 9:08p | HighFri 3:00a | |
OCEAN DRIVE BRIDGETownsends Inlet | LowThu 8:06a | HighThu 2:50p | LowThu 9:26p | HighFri 3:14a | |
WILDWOOD CRESTAtlantic Ocean | LowThu 7:57a | HighThu 2:39p | LowThu 9:15p | HighFri 3:17a | |
CAPE MAYDelaware Bay | LowThu 8:51a | HighThu 3:29p | LowThu 10:05p | HighFri 4:04a |
MORE TIDES: Info for 132 points along the NJ coast
From the National Weather Service, Mt. Holly
TODAY: SW winds around 5 kt, becoming S this afternoon. Seas 2 to 3 ft. E swell around 2 ft at 8 seconds.
TONIGHT: S winds 5 to 10 kt. Seas 2 to 3 ft. E swell around 2 ft at 6 seconds, becoming S at 4 seconds after midnight.
FRI: S winds 5 to 10 kt, increasing to 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt in the afternoon. Seas 2 to 4 ft. SE swell around 2 ft at 5 seconds.
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FRI NIGHT: S winds 5 to 10 kt. Seas 2 to 4 ft. SE swell around 2 ft at 5 seconds.
SAT: S winds 5 to 10 kt. Seas 2 to 3 ft. SE swell around 2 ft at 6 seconds. A chance of showers and tstms in the afternoon.
SAT NIGHT: S winds 5 to 10 kt. Seas around 2 ft. SE swell around 2 ft at 5 seconds. A chance of showers and tstms.
SUN: S winds 5 to 10 kt. Seas 2 to 3 ft. A chance of showers and tstms.
MON: SW winds 5 to 10 kt, becoming NW after midnight. Seas 2 to 4 ft. A chance of showers in the morning, then a chance of showers and tstms through the night. Winds and seas higher in and near tstms.
Data on this page amalgamated from several sources, including the National Weather Service (weather), National Ocean Service (tides), U.S. Naval Observatory (sun), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (UV index).
Dan Zarrow is Chief Meteorologist for Townsquare Media New Jersey. The Shore Report is generated semi-automatically daily at 5 a.m. from mid-May to late September. Follow Dan's weather blog, Facebook page, and Twitter feed for your latest forecast and realtime weather updates.