Newswise — Neptune, NJ – May 20, 2014 – In support of Meridian Health’s Paint The Town Pink – a campaign aimed at promoting annual mammography for women over the age of 40 – Dr. Denise Johnson Miller, director of Breast Surgery at Jersey Shore, recently hosted a series of women’s health and wellness programs throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties. At outreach events, which include health screenings, breakfasts, lectures and church gatherings, Dr. Johnson Miller tirelessly advocates that early detection is the best defense a woman has against breast cancer.

"God gave us this body, and a lot of times we abuse it, maybe don't take care of it like we should. Or, we approach taking care of it in a negative way, instead of looking at it like, 'If I take care of myself now, I just might live a little bit longer, have a healthier, happier time while I'm here, and not spend that time in a hospital,' " Dr. Johnson Miller says. "I want to keep you out of the hospital," she adds. "And that's what these events are all about."

This is Dr. Johnson Miller’s second year participating in Meridian Health’s Paint the Town Pink initiative. During the awareness campaign, which takes place every May, Dr. Johnson Miller hosted an Open House and Breast Cancer Information Event in her Neptune offices educating women about breast cancer risk assessment and the newest procedures.

"I've seen new patients that were a direct result of our outreach," Dr. Johnson Miller says. "The goal is to be friendly, accessible and fun. It doesn't matter whether you're coming to see me, or if you're getting a blood pressure check. It's important to take care of yourself, and events like these make that as easy as possible."

Dr. Johnson Miller also participated in a Spring Lake Physician Panel held at the Spring Lake Community House, which focused on major issues affecting breast health, and highlighted the comprehensive and personalized programs provided by Meridian Health.

Using platforms like community health events to strengthen the relationship between physicians and patients, Dr. Johnson Miller’s outreach reinforces the message that women should embrace preventive health care, and Jersey Shore is committed to providing education and health care resources for all women in the community.

About Jersey Shore University Medical Center:Jersey Shore University Medical Center, a member of the Meridian Health family, is a not-for-profit teaching hospital and home to K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital – the first children’s hospital in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Jersey Shore is the regional provider of cardiac surgery, a program which has been ranked among the best in the Northeast, and is home to the only trauma center and stroke rescue center in the region. Through the hospital’s clinical research program, and its affiliation with Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Jersey Shore serves as an academic center dedicated to advancing medical knowledge, training future physicians and providing the community with access to promising medical breakthroughs. For more information about Jersey Shore University Medical Center call 1-800-DOCTORS, or visit www.JerseyShoreUniversityMedicalCenter.com.