New Jersey

New Jersey dentists call for fluoridated water as debate about the chemical continues

Published

9 months ago

February 1, 2025

New Jersey dentists call for fluoridated water as debate about the chemical continues

In the early 1900s, public health officials concluded discolored teeth among residents of Colorado Springs were caused by high levels of naturally occurring fluoride in the spring water. However, the residents also had lower rates of tooth decay. Health experts determined that adding low levels of fluoride to drinking water could prevent cavities with little side effects.

Towns and cities across the U.S. began fluoridating their water, following Grand Rapids, Mich., in 1945. In a few years, health officials documented a 60% reduction in tooth decay.

Since then, numerous studies have shown fluoride can reduce cavities because it strengthens enamel during the formation of teeth, and it can remineralize adult teeth.

Conspiracy theories about fluoride have been around since the beginning. However, the anti-fluoride movement was amplified in recent months as President Donald Trump’s Health and Human Services secretary nominee, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called for removing fluoride from public drinking water. Kennedy has alleged the chemical can cause health problems such as bone cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders.

During his confirmation hearing this week, he referenced a recent study that found an association between fluoride and lowered I.Q. Researchers have cautioned none of the study’s analyses were conducted in the United States, where recommended fluoridation levels in drinking water are very low.

Exposure to high levels of the chemical could impact a person’s health, said Dr. Mary Beth Giacona, a professor of pediatric dentistry at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. However, she said there are no health effects associated with the very low levels of fluoride found in drinking water in the U.S.

“I think the evidence is there to say that at the levels that we are fluoridating our water supplies, it does not cause harm,” Giacona said.

Last year, another study linked fluoridated water during pregnancy and increased neurobehavioral problems in children. One of the study’s authors, Howard Hu, has since advocated for some policy changes, such as limiting fluoride exposure during pregnancy and the first year of a child’s life.

“As a precaution, I think women during pregnancy should try to limit their known exposures to sources of fluoride,” said Hu, a professor of preventive medicine at the University of Southern California,

Some opponents of fluoridated water believe toothpaste, mouth rinses and professional treatments are a safer alternative. However, dentists argue fluoridated water ensures everyone has access.

“There are large segments of our population that cannot afford to and don’t have access to other interventions,” Giacona said. “Whereas, if you fluoridate a community’s water supply, everybody, no matter what the household income is, no matter what race or religion or ethnicity they are, has access to this effective preventive measure.”

Velazquez expressed concern that warnings about fluoride in drinking water might also reduce the use of fluoridated dental products in New Jersey.

“They hear … someone’s telling [them] fluoride is not good, then they stop everything,” she said.

Velazquez encourages people to discuss best dental practices with their providers.

“There’s so many factors, and that’s not something that should just be Googled,” she said. “That should be something that each parent talks to their dentist about for that individual child.”

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New Jersey

Newsweek names New Jersey’s best hospitals for 2026 – NJBIZ

Published

19 hours ago

October 24, 2025

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Newsweek names New Jersey’s best hospitals for 2026 – NJBIZ

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Newsweek is recognizing the top health care facilities in the U.S. in its America’s Best-in-State Hospitals 2026, released Oct. 22.

Of the more than 6,000 hospitals across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, 800 made this year’s ranking. Of those, 11 are in New Jersey.

In partnership with data firm Statista, Newsweek evaluated hospitals based on:

Peer recommendations from medical professionals
Hospital quality metrics from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and other public data sources
Patient experience scores
Accreditations and certifications from recognized organizations

Those that made the ranking “consistently demonstrate excellence across medical specialties, safety, and patient satisfaction,” according to the publication.

“Health care decisions are deeply personal, and patients deserve reliable information when choosing where to seek care,” said Alexis Kayser, Newsweek health care editor. “The hospitals recognized on this list represent the very best in patient-centered care, combining medical expertise with compassion and innovation to improve lives in their communities.”

Care close to home

According to Newsweek, New Jersey’s Best-in-State Hospitals for 2026 are:

No. 1: Morristown Medical Center, Morristown | Atlantic Health System
No. 2: Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, Englewood | Englewood Health
No. 3: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick | RWJBarnabas Health
No. 4: Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack | Hackensack Meridian Health
No. 5: Overlook Medical Center, Summit | Atlantic Health System
No. 6: Saint Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick | Saint Peter’s Healthcare System
No. 7: Cooper University Hospital, Camden | Cooper University Health Care
No. 8: Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center, Plainsboro
No. 9: Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch | RWJBarnabas Health
No. 10: The Valley Hospital, Paramus | Valley Health System
No. 11: Holy Name Medical Center, Teaneck

Last year, 10 hospitals in New Jersey made the list. Holy Name was the addition to the 2026 ranking. U.S. News & World Report released its own list of best hospitals in July, with some repeat honorees to Newsweek’s.

Health care kudos

Englewood Health shared its hospital’s results in an Oct. 23 announcement, noting its No. 2 ranking in the state and highest in Bergen County.

Warren Geller, president and chief executive officer of Englewood Health — Geller

“We are honored to once again be recognized among the very best hospitals in New Jersey,” said Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health. “This award reflects the dedication of our entire team—physicians, nurses, and staff—who work tirelessly to provide exceptional care and an outstanding experience for every patient, every day.”

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New Jersey

The Best Romantic Dinner Spot in New Jersey Revealed

Published

2 days ago

October 23, 2025

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The Best Romantic Dinner Spot in New Jersey Revealed

New Jersey is a great place to have a romantic dinner, and now a major food website has named one restaurant the Garden State’s most romantic.

The Most Romantic Restaurant In New Jersey

In New Jersey, the only thing we take more seriously than romance is the food we eat, and when you combine the two, you make us very happy.

We love food, and we love love, and one of the most well-known food websites has crowned one of New Jersey’s incredible restaurants the most romantic in the state.

Photo by Hermes Rivera on Unsplash

Lovefood took on the challenge of naming the most romantic restaurant in every state in America, and if you’ve never been to the one they chose for New Jersey, put it on your bucket list soon.

Where Is New Jersey’s Top Romantic Restaurant?

So, how far will you have to travel to experience romance and dining in a perfect combination?

Read More: New Jersey Restaurant Scene Gains National Attention

The place that earns the top spot for romance in New Jersey is a gorgeous restaurant with one of the best views in America.

Photo by Wedding Dreamz on Unsplash

Chart House in Weehawken overlooks the New York Skyline, and the only thing that rivals the breathtaking view is the amazing food.

New Jersey’s Most Romantic Restaurant

Many New Jersey residents have dined at this elegant restaurant, and the reviews, like the view, are exceptional.

If you have never been to Chart House, get to Weehawken soon. You and the love of your life will be glad you did.

5 Romantic Restaurants In Monmouth County, NJ

Gallery Credit: Lou Russo

Jersey Shore Restaurants That Have Been Around A Long Time

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Behavior of some drivers in New Jersey raises pedestrian safety issues

Published

2 days ago

October 22, 2025

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Behavior of some drivers in New Jersey raises pedestrian safety issues

You would think or hope this wouldn’t be an issue in New Jersey. But apparently, it is.

Unfortunately, New Jersey drivers feel the need to put themselves first and ahead of everybody else. And yes, that includes pedestrians.

ALSO READ: What young drivers fear is a very New Jersey thing

OK, maybe that’s a little too harsh. Perhaps it’s better if we say some New Jersey drivers. To be fair, I truly do believe the vast majority of us do pay attention on the roads and follow the law.

It’s that small minority that give us the bad name. It’s equivalent to the small few who are loud. Even though there are less of them, we notice them more because they make themselves stand out.

It’s the same with our drivers. Those of us who do the right thing don’t get noticed. It’s those very few that don’t know what they’re doing that really give us that bad reputation.

And when it comes to pedestrian over driver, this couldn’t be any truer for some of us.

Mike Brant TSM

No regard for the law

This particular instance occurred in downtown Toms River, right by the public library.

There’s a crosswalk there with a sign stating that vehicles must stop for pedestrians within the crosswalk. Seems pretty straightforward, especially with a sign right in the middle of the road.

But yet, multiple cars wouldn’t stop for people trying to cross. Now no, the cars weren’t speeding, but they also never bothered to hit their brakes and let the pedestrians cross the road.

I was one of those pedestrians who, despite standing on the side ready to cross, the cars wouldn’t stop. Not one. I had to wait until no cars were coming up the road.

Mike Brant TSM

Not a one-off

Curious, I decided to watch from one of the benches on the other side after I crossed. And you know what? The same thing happened with others trying to cross too. The cars weren’t speeding, but they weren’t stopping to allow pedestrians to cross either.

It’s a shame some New Jersey drivers are oblivious to the fact that they have to stop. Fortunately, this isn’t a regular occurrence at this spot. Still, you sometimes will come across multiple vehicles in a row that have no regard for the law or the safety for others.

10 things New Jerseyans should keep in their car

Gallery Credit: Kyle Clark

Exclusive look at Six Flags Great Adventure’s Fright Fest 2025

A sneak peak at this years Fright Fest, along with an exclusive look inside some of the attractions. Please note that some photos appear blurry due to the lighting and 3D effects of the attraction.

The final day for Fright Fest is Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.

Gallery Credit: Mike Brant

The above post reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 weekend host & content contributor Mike Brant. Any opinions expressed are his own.

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