November 2022: Top Doctors

November is our Top Doctors issue, and this year—in addition to our popular list of best physicians in the state—we take a look at some of the latest issues affecting health in New Jersey.

Leslie Garisto Pfaff has an incisive article looking at medical disinformation and the need to counter it, especially when it comes to Covid-19. Untruths, half-truths and lies have made it harder for public health officials to get their messages across, amplifying an existing distrust of public health institutions and leading to unnecessary illness and death on a significant scale.

In another story, we look at the troubling mental health problems that have arisen during the pandemic, and how many Covid patients are now dealing with long-term anxiety, stress and other disturbing behavioral issues. Public health officials believe the subject deserves to be studied in-depth. 

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GARDEN VARIETY

Sweet Justice: How a Chocolate-Making Program Helps Formerly Incarcerated

Seeds of Hope Ministries, a Camden nonprofit, launched Hope Chocolate last year to equip ex-offenders with workforce skills.

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NJ Native Stars in ‘Blue’s Clues’ Film Adaptation

In Blue’s Big City Adventure, out now on Paramount+, Josh Dela Cruz travels to the Big Apple with Blue to audition for a Broadway musical.

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Terry’s Serendipity Café Is Safe Space for Montclair Teens

The student-run nonprofit produces monthly drug- and alcohol-free music shows while fostering confidence and self-esteem.

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Frankie Valli on Jazz, His Go-To Jersey Restaurant and What He Sings in the Shower

The Four Seasons frontman is returning to his native Newark for a concert at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.

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Jersey Doctors Wrote a Book on the Healing Power of Compassion

Wonder Drug explores how helping others can be a life-changing therapy.

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This Vet Oncologist Treated Dogs for Decades. Then She Got a Cancer Diagnosis of Her Own.

In her book, Sit, Stay, Heal, Dr. Renee Alsarraf of Montclair explores how lessons from furry friends helped her along her journey.

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The Ginger Jar Offers Curated Collection of Classic Décor

The Morris County retailer is brimming with home goods, hostess gifts and more.

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Festive Finds to Wear This Holiday Season

Plan for some serious celebrating with party-ready bows, leather and plaid.

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Hunterdon County Nonprofit Hosts NJ’s ‘Original’ Turkey Trot

The Center for Educational Advancement (CEA), which assists students and adults with disabilities, will hold its 30th annual 5K fundraiser this Thanksgiving.

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The Newark Organization Working to End New Jersey’s HIV/AIDS Epidemic

The North Jersey Community Research Initiative (NJCRI) also aims to diligently support the LGBTQ community.

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FEATURES

How NJ Medical Schools Are Striving to Increase Student Diversity

New Jersey’s hospitals and medical offices don’t reflect our state’s diverse population.

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NJ Therapy Dogs Provide Emotional Support for Students—and Educators

From a Great Pyrenees who sits in on reading lessons to a goldendoodle who soothes children in crisis, these canines are a comforting presence in NJ schools.

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The Mental-Health Aftershocks of Covid-19

Studies indicate that the virus has prompted a rise in stress, anxiety and serious behavioral issues.

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Where New Jersey Stands on Abortion

The constitutional right to abortion may have been overturned, but the Garden State remains committed to reproductive rights.

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When Abortion Saves a Life

Certain conditions and complications during pregnancy can make termination a medically necessary option to preserve a mother’s health and life.

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How to Navigate Medical Disinformation: New Jersey Experts Weigh In

Medical advice. Politics. Social media. Amid the labyrinth of facts—and myths—to navigate, local experts discuss discerning the truth.

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What’s the State of Plastic Surgery in New Jersey?

The influence of social media, plus changing demographics and expectations, prove plastic surgery is about more than just a pretty face.

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Hollywood East: Inside New Jersey’s Thriving Film and TV Industries

In 2018, Governor Murphy reinstated generous tax incentives for movie and TV projects shooting in NJ. The number of local productions has skyrocketed since.

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HOME & GARDEN

Peek Inside an NJ Designer’s Belmar Bungalow

Jaclyn Isaac’s weekend home is an eclectic mix of high/low and modern/vintage.

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WHERE & WHEN

Atlantic City’s Embrace of Tattoo Expo Reflects How Ink Culture Has Evolved

After the Atlantic City Tattoo Expo debuted in 2001, it wasn’t always warmly received. Two decades later, however, the cultural shift has been “huge.”

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EAT & DRINK

Restaurant Review: At Indian Masala in Newton, a Chef Honors His Roots

“I’m cooking my mother’s and grandma’s village dishes,” says chef/owner Jamesbond Paramanandan.

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Covid-19 Claimed Her Husband. Now, She’s Running Their Beloved BBQ Restaurant

After Doug Henri—the pitmaster behind Henri’s Hotts Barbeque—died in December, his wife, Ruthie, stepped up to the smoker.

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A Serene Waterfront Café in Jersey City

Bwé Kafe is a family-owned, community-centric coffee shop with a bohemian-farmhouse feel. It has two other Hudson County locations.

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Asbury Park Eatery Melds Korean, Mexican Cuisines

MOGO Korean Fusion Tacos celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

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Taco Caballito Tequileria Offers Vibrant Fare with an Ocean View

The Cape May restaurant/bar is also launching a boutique hotel in 2023.

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The Dry Side of Apple Cider

Hard cider complements rich Thanksgiving meals exceptionally well.

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EXIT RAMP

How New Jersey Kicked Off Thanksgiving’s Football Tradition

Princeton University was the site of the first holiday game 150 years ago.

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