Yearly Archives: 2024

METRO photo
Supplements may not have the same benefits

By David Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

A cataract is an opacity or cloudiness of the eye’s lens, which decreases vision as it progresses. Although there are different types of cataracts, most often it’s caused by oxidative stress. As we age, the likelihood increases that cataracts will affect our vision.

In the U.S., estimates suggest that 26.6 million Americans over age 40 have a cataract in at least one eye or have had surgery to remove a cataract (1). By age 80, this increases to approximately 50 percent of Americans.

Chronic diseases, such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome; steroid use; and physical inactivity can contribute to your risk.

The good news is that we can take an active role in preventing cataracts. Protecting your eyes from the sun and injuries, quitting smoking, and increasing your consumption of fruits and vegetables can improve your odds. Here, we will focus on the dietary factor.

What effect does meat consumption have on cataracts?

Diet has been shown to have substantial effect on cataract risk (2). One of the most expansive studies on cataract formation and diet was the Oxford (UK) group, with 27,670 participants, of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) trial. Participants completed food frequency questionnaires between 1993 and 1999. Then, they were checked for cataracts between 2008 and 2009.

There was an inverse relationship between cataract risk and the amount of meat consumed. In other words, those who ate more meat were at higher risk of cataracts. “Meat” included red meat, fowl and pork.

Compared to high meat eaters, every other group demonstrated a significant reduction in risk as they progressed along a spectrum that included low meat eaters (15 percent reduction), fish eaters (21 percent reduction), vegetarians (30 percent reduction) and finally vegans (40 percent reduction).

There was not much difference in meat consumption between high meat eaters, those having at least 3.5 ounces, and low meat eaters, those having less than 1.7 ounces a day, yet there was a substantial decline in cataracts. This suggests that you can achieve a meaningful effect by reducing or replacing your average meat intake, rather than eliminating meat from your diet.

I’ve had several patients experience cataract reversal after they transitioned to a nutrient-dense, plant-based diet. This positive outcome and was confirmed by their ophthalmologists.

Do antioxidants help prevent cataracts?

Oxidative stress is one of the major contributors to cataract development. In a review article that looked at 70 different trials for the development of cataract and/or maculopathies, such as age-related macular degeneration, the authors concluded antioxidants, which are micronutrients found in foods, play an integral part in eye disease prevention (3).

The authors go on to say that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, as well as lifestyle modification with cessation of smoking and treatment of obesity at an early age, help to reduce the risk of cataracts. You are never too young or too old to take steps to protect your vision.

Among antioxidant-rich foods studied that have shown positive effects is citrus. The Blue Mountains Eye Study found that participants who had the highest dietary intake of vitamin C reduced their 10-year risk for nuclear cataracts (4). The same effect was not seen with vitamin C supplements. Instead, a high dose of a single-nutrient vitamin C supplement actually increased cataract incidence (5).

How effective is cataract surgery?

The only effective way to correct cataracts is with surgery; the most typical type is phacoemulsification. Ophthalmologists remove the opaque lens and replace it with a synthetic intraocular lens in an outpatient procedure. Fortunately, this surgery has a very high success rate.

Of course, there are always potential risks with invasive procedures, such as infection, even when the chances of complications are low. In a small percentage of cases, surgery complications have resulted in blindness.

You can reduce your risk of cataracts with diet and other lifestyle modifications, plus avoid potential consequences from cataract surgery, all while reducing your risk of other chronic diseases. Why not choose the win-win scenario?

References:

(1) nei.nih.gov. (2) Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 May; 93(5):1128-1135. (3) Exp Eye Res. 2007; 84: 229-245. (4) Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Jun; 87(6):1899-1305. (5) Nutrients. 2019 May; 11(5): 1186.

Dr. David Dunaief is a speaker, author and local lifestyle medicine physician focusing on the integration of medicine, nutrition, fitness and stress management. For further information, visit www.medicalcompassmd.com or consult your personal physician.

The Art League of Long Island will hold an open house on Aug. 24.

The Art League of Long Island proudly announces an exhibition featuring the exceptional talent of its distinguished instructors, who are not only passionate educators but also celebrated artists on local, national, and international stages. From August 24 to September 20, the Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery will host an impressive display of their work, highlighting the diverse artistic expertise within the Art League’s community.

To kick off the exhibition, the Art League of Long Island invites the public to an open house and artists’ reception on August 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.. This event is free and open to everyone, providing a unique opportunity to engage with the artists and experience the dynamic environment of the Art League of Long Island.

During the open house, visitors will be treated to live demonstrations in our specialized studios. Instructors will showcase their skills in a variety of mediums, which may include watercolor painting, oil painting, pottery, jewelry making, photography, and more. These demonstrations offer a glimpse into the creative processes and techniques that make the Art League a vibrant center for artistic growth and education.

“This exhibition is a celebration of our instructors’ remarkable talents and their contributions to the art world,” said Marianne Della Croce, Executive Director of the Art League of Long Island. “We are excited to share their work with the community and provide an interactive experience where visitors can see our instructors in action, learn about their classes, and gain insight into their teaching philosophies.”

The Art League of Long Island’s instructors are dedicated professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their classes, inspiring students of all ages and skill levels. This exhibition and open house event emphasize the Art League’s commitment to fostering a supportive and creative environment for both instructors and students.

Join them on August 24 for a day of art, inspiration, and community at the Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery. For more information, please visit www.artleagueli.org or contact the Art League of Long Island at 631-462-5400.

About the Art League of Long Island:

The Art League of Long Island is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing Long Island’s cultural life by promoting the visual arts. Through classes, exhibitions, and events, the Art League provides a nurturing environment for artists of all ages and skill levels to develop their talents and express their creativity.

Alan Howarth performing live in concert in 2019.

The award-winning composer and sound designer will perform a live concert and speak to the audience about his career

On Friday, August 30 at 7 p.m., legendary film composer and sound designer Alan Howarth, best known for his collaborations with John Carpenter, and his work on the Star Trek films, will perform a live concert of his iconic film music at Huntington’s Cinema Arts Centre. The concert will be proceeded by a Q&A with the audience where he will discuss the art of film composing, and storied long career.

Alan Howarth and John Carpenter at work on Escape from New York. 1980. Photo by Phil D’Angelo

Alan Howarth’s award–winning film work started on Star Trek–The Motion Picture, launching him as a sound designer for the following 6 Star Trek feature films. He would then go on to collaborate with the director John Carpenter, crafting the scores for many of Carpenter’s most iconic works. He has since composed music for over 50 films. A sound design innovator, Howarth has worked on such films as Francis Ford Coppola’s DraculaThe Hunt for Red OctoberDie Hard IIStargateThe Little MermaidBack to the Future II and III, and Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Together with Carpenter, Alan Howarth pioneered a synth heavy style that would go on to influence many of the horror films that would follow, as well as the techno music genre as a whole.

The concert will feature music from beloved John Carpenter films such as Escape From New YorkHalloween II, III & IVThe ThingBig Trouble In Little ChinaChristineThey LivePrince Of Darkness, and others.

The Cinema Arts Centre is located at 423 Park Avenue in Huntington. Tickets to the event are $27 public | $20 Cinema Arts Centre members.

You can purchase tickets or find more information about this and other events on the Cinema Arts Centre website: www.cinemaartscentre.org

Detrich Emanuel

Detrich Emanuel is Expected to be Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Detrich Emanuel, 31, pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree, for fatally shooting Kristine Costantino, 40, of Middle Island, in her home on New Year’s Eve in 2023.

“After a minor verbal argument, this defendant shot Kristine Costantino, killing her in her own home,” said District Attorney Tierney. “While this plea cannot undo the immense pain caused to the victim’s family and loved ones, we hope it spares them from the additional trauma of a trial and keeps this defendant from hurting anyone else in the community.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, on the evening of December 31, 2023, at approximately 11:24 a.m., five individuals, including Emanuel and the victim, were at the victim’s apartment in Middle Island. Emanuel, and the victim became engaged in a tense verbal exchange with each other. Emanuel then pulled out a firearm, pointed it at the victim’s chest, and shot her. Emanuel called 911 to report the incident but then fled the scene before law enforcement arrived.

When police arrived to render aid, Constantino repeatedly said Emanuel’s name. Constantino was later pronounced dead at Stony Brook University Hospital. On January 14, 2024, Emanuel was arrested in the Bronx.

In July 2018, prior to his arrest in this case, Emanuel was convicted in Queens County of Attempted Burglary in the Second-Degree.

On August 20, 2024, Emanuel pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony, before Supreme Court Justice John B. Collins. Emanuel is due back in court on October 10, 2024, and he is expected to be sentenced to 20 years in prison followed by five years of post- release supervision. He is being represented by Matt Tuohy, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Sheetal Shetty of the Homicide Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective James Hughes of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.

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Do you recognize this woman? Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the woman who allegedly stole merchandise from a Farmingville store.

The woman pictured above allegedly stole watches from Burlington, located at 2280 North Ocean Avenue on June 15. The stolen merchandise was valued at more than $120.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.

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Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who allegedly stole merchandise from a South Setauket store in July.

The man pictured above allegedly stole merchandise from Target, located at 235 Pond Path, on July 18 at 2:20 p.m.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.

File photo

Heavier than Normal Flooding Reported – Street Pumping Prohibition Temporarily Waived

Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth and Highway Superintendent Andre Sorrentino are responding hastily to Sunday night’s heavy rain storm that slammed the Long Island region.

As forecasters called for strong storms on Sunday night, Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth began rallying his team to handle anything that could impact the Town, including downs trees, sink holes and heavier than normal flooding.  

“When the weather turns ugly, I always know I can rely on my partners in Government to come to the aide of the Town, especially Andre Sorrentino and the Highway Department”, said Ed Smyth.  “Huntington’s emergency response protocol is second to none when it comes to tackling what mother nature dishes out.” 

To assist residents with the impact of the heavier than normal rains and the flooding, Supervisor Smyth has ordered a temporary waiver for residents to discharge storm water from flooded basements into the roadway.  The Town’s Pubic Safety office will not be issuing violations for the next 48 hours, while residents deal with home flooding.

Smyth added, “under normal circumstances a discharge into our roadways would be a violation of Town Code (Ch 133-1 A, B & C).  This can cause hazards for pedestrians and traffic.  In this case, our neighbors were impacted greater than normal and we want to do whatever we can to assist them in bringing their property back to normal.”

The Highway Department took to the roads at the early onset of the storm.  After surveying the Town, they reported approximately 10 sink holes and minimal trees down.  Flooding, however, was the predominant issue, with the Town reporting heavy flooding in a few areas.

According to Highway Superintendent Andre Sorrentino, “The Town’s Highway Department is responding to the heavier flooded areas.  Our team will work until these areas are secure.  We are happy to report that most of the Town is clear and passable thanks to the overnight work of our crews.  They did a terrific job responding to this weather emergency.”  Sorrentino added, “as always, we want our residents to know we are here for them.  If you have an issue, please contact the Town’s Highway Department at 631-499-0444.”

Photo from Town of Smithtown

The Town of Smithtown saw heavy rains and flash flooding last night, enduring approximately ten inches in total, as the storm regenerated across Suffolk County throughout the night and early morning. The Town of Smithtown has compiled a detailed assessment of damage, flooding, and areas of concern in addition to providing important information regarding storm cleanup, and contact information for those in need of further assistance.

“We were fortunate in comparison to surrounding areas, much in part due to proactive measures and recent upgrades made to infrastructure, elevated roadways, and state-of-the-art engineering at Smithtown’s most vulnerable areas. I want to commend our crews working throughout the night. Public Safety, Parks, and Highway teams have been working around the clock to clear, assess and repair the damage, in the wake of the storm, which was unpredicted by meteorologists. I also want to commend our volunteer Fire Departments, FRES, our Office of Emergency Management, and Fire Marshals who were out in these dangerous conditions overnight, performing water rescues, extracting stranded drivers, responding to emergency calls and assisting our neighbors in Stony Brook,” said Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

“Public Safety even used their Drone to assist the Smithtown Fire Department boat to rescue two individuals who were stranded from a home. The level of communication, bravery and teamwork over these past 24 hours has been extraordinary. I would also like to commend our County Executive, Ed Romaine for leaping into action immediately to declare a State of Emergency for the area. Finally, I’d recommend that everyone access the Town of Smithtown Mobile App for notifications regarding road detours, areas to avoid and updates on the storm cleanup. We will not stop until flooding concerns have been addressed, the roads are clear, and our residents can safely resume daily routines,” added Supervisor Wehrheim.

Town Damage Assessment:

The headwaters of the Nissequogue have crested at Paul T. Given Park. Councilman Tom Lohmann, Superintendent Robert Murphy and our emergency response teams are currently on scene together with Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services (FRES) and our Planning Department to alleviate water conditions, in hopes of preventing the river from cresting over NYS Route 25a. The basement of the building next to the park (formerly the Oasis) has flooded up to the first floor. Smithtown’s Parks Department is currently on scene and is going to remove accumulated debris under the culdesac to alleviate rising waters. This will also allow the MTA to get into their property to inspect the train trestle. Currently, train service is suspended between Port Jefferson and Kings Park in both directions due to flooding from the Nissequogue River west of Smithtown.

Maple Avenue at Millers Pond (Wildwood Ln to Darling Ave) is closed due to overflow conditions. The Smithtown Highway Department, alongwith Deputy Superintendent Jim Duetch are currently on scene with Suffolk County Parks to mitigate flooding and ensure the culvert remains stable.  Both of these areas (Paul T Given Park & Millers Pond) are of critical importance to address as more rainfall is predicted for this afternoon.

The Smithtown Parks Department has been operating the cleanup at Town Hall, which took in close to four feet of water in the basement and is currently operating on backup power. The Parks Department building in Kings Park sustained flooding damage to the shop area and vehicles were badly flooded.

As of this morning, we’ve estimated approximately 50 town trees (in the town right of way) were either uprooted or down. Highway crews are currently working to remove these trees from the roadways.

Parks & Beaches:

Landing Country & Golf Club sustained washouts and drainage issues in addition to damage on the 9th hole of the course. Parks crews have been dispatched and are currently working on repairs.

Boaters with vessels in slips and the town mooring fields should ensure that lines are secured. There have been a few instances where boats have come loose.

The bathroom area at Whitman Hollow sustained some flooding issues. Parks Crews have already been dispatched to handle cleanup.

Callahan’s Beach only sustained a few down trees as of this morning. The incredible state of the art engineering of the rebuild had its first real test and aced with flying colors.

The elevation of Long Beach Road also handled extreme rain without incident. No flooding was reported.

LIRR Train Service: LIRR Train service is suspended from Port Jefferson to Kings Park until further notice.

ROAD CLOSURES/DETOURS: 

  • Maple Ave is closed due to road flooding from Wildwood Ln to Darling Ave. Use an alternative route.
  • North Country Road from Mills Pond road all the way up north, is closed and impassable due to flooding. Use an alternative route.
  • West Main St Smithtown from Maple Ave to Edgewood Ave Closed due to Flooding. Use an alternate Route.

Residents can stay informed about the storm and get up to the minute updates via the Town of Smithtown Mobile App, which is free to download on Google Play and the App Store.

Safety Reminders: Do not attempt to drive over a flooded road. Turn around and go another way. DID YOU KNOW? Six inches of fast moving flood water can knock you off your feet. A depth of two feet of water will float your car. Never try to walk, swim or drive through such swift water.

Keep children from playing in floodwaters or near culverts and storm drains.

Resident Safety Post Storm:

Residents should attempt to keep all brush, tree branches and storm debris clear from blocking fire hydrants and storm drains.

Public Safety and Smithtown Fire Marshals would like to remind residents using generators to take a moment to confirm that the exhaust is facing outwards and at least 20’ away from a building, to prevent CO poisoning and fires caused by incorrectly positioned generators.

Highway crews are working with PSEG to clear the roads of any remaining trees safely, and have begun hauling debris/brush today. The Highway Department led by Superintendent Robert Murphy, has cleanup crews assigned to every hamlet.

NOTE: Fallen trees can hide downed cables or entangled power lines, even if the power is out.

Power: 

As of this morning, there are less than 20 homes within the township who are without power.

To report and receive status updates on an outage Text OUT to PSEGLI (773454) or to report an outage online visitwww.psegliny.com

To register, have your account number available and text REG to PSEGLI (773454)

Downed wires should always be considered “live.” Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything contacting the wire. To report a downed wire, call PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour Electric Service number: 1-800-490-0075

Stranded Vehicles: If there is an emergency, please dial 9-11 immediately. All non life-threatening calls can be directed to the Department of Public Safety by calling (631) 360-7553

Report Gas Outages or Emergencies: If you smell gas anywhere, including in your home, go outside and call National Grid 24 hour hotline at 1-800-490-0045 or dial 911 immediately.

LIRR Commuter Travel Information: For information regarding delays or travel questions, contact the LIRR 24 hour travel information center at 718-217-5477

Local Fire & Police Phone Numbers: In an emergency dial 9-1-1

  • Suffolk County Police Department: For non-emergencies, contact 631-852-COPS (2677). Dial 9-1-1 ONLY for life-threatening emergencies.
  • Smithtown Fire Rescue Communications: 631-265-1500 for fire and EMS emergencies in the Smithtown, Kings Park, and Hauppauge Fire Districts.
  • Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services: Dial 911 for fire and EMS emergencies in the St. James, Nesconset, and Nissequogue Fire Districts.
  • Commack Fire Department: 631-499-5777 for fire emergencies in the Commack Fire District.

To Report Flooding or Road Concerns: To report flooding, drainage issues, and other storm related conditions along the roads, please contact the Highway Department at (631) 360-7500. NOTE: Flooding in basements are the

Downed Street Trees: Trees within the town’s right of way (alongside a town road) are in general the responsibility of the Highway Department. Residents with down trees on property lines can call the Department of Environment and Waterways (DEW) at (631) 360-7514 to inspect the tree and determine the best course of action. Trees that are not in the town’s right of way are the responsibility of the resident.

Elderly Neighbors & Special Needs individuals: Always check on your neighbors living with disabilities, special needs or senior citizens. Make sure they have an emergency phone, plenty of water, food and blankets. Ask if they have someone to call in the event of an emergency. If further intervention is required please contact the Senior Citizens Department at (631) 360-7616 or the Office for People with Disabilities at (631) 360-7642

Wildlife Rescue & Lost Pets:

Smithtown Animal Control Officers are ready to respond to calls for wildlife in distress or to report lost pets. Animals in distress, strays or other loose domestic or wild animals can be reported to the Smithtown Animal Shelter and Animal Control at (631) 360-7575

Suffolk 311: Suffolk County 311 is a central call center available to residents who do not know which number to call for any non-emergency. Residents can reach the 311 line Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or leave messages after hours.

Damage Self-Reporting Tool: Homes & Businesses: In collaboration with affected counties, New York State has developed an online form allowing residents to self-report damages to their homes and/or businesses. The purpose of this form is solely to collect information that may help State and local officials identify supplemental damages to develop and augment potential requests for available federal assistance programs. NOTE: Reporting damage is a voluntary activity and is not a substitute for reporting damage to your insurance agency, nor does it guarantee disaster relief assistance. (Do not use this form to report immediate, life-threatening needs. Call 911)

LINK TO FORM:  Smithtownny.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2879

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Peter Minichello

Peter Minichello Pleaded Guilty in June to Killing Five-Year-Old Chihuahua-Mix Dog

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Peter Minichello, 22, of West Islip, was sentenced to four months in jail followed by five years of probation and received a lifetime ban on owning animals after pleading guilty to beating his aunt’s five-year-old Chihuahua-mix dog named “Pup-Pup,” resulting in severe physical injuries that caused its death.

“What this defendant put an innocent animal through is as shocking as it is deplorable,” said District Attorney Tierney. “A dog’s love is unconditional, and my heart goes out to the defendant’s aunt who lost a beloved companion.”

Pup-Pup

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, on July 6, 2022, Minichello was left home alone with Pup-Pup while his mother and aunt were at work. When Minichello’s aunt returned home, she saw Pup-Pup inside of his crate, not moving and covered in blood and bruises. When Minichello’s mother and aunt left earlier that morning for work, Pup-Pup was healthy and had no apparent injuries. The aunt sought medical attention for Pup-Pup, but he died days later.

Further investigation revealed that Pup-Pup sustained extensive injuries including multiple broken ribs, blunt force trauma to the head and body, and a penetrating wound to the elbow. He ultimately died due to a traumatic brain injury.

On June 13, 2024, Minichello pleaded guilty to all of charges contained within the indictment including Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, a Class E felony, and Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree, a Class E felony, before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz.

On August 19, 2024, Justice Horowitz sentenced Minichello to four months in jail followed by five years of probation. Justice Horowitz also ordered that the defendant be banned from owning or possessing any animals for the rest of his life. Minichello was represented by Pierre Bazile, Esq.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Annemarie DiBlasio and Ashley Stapleton of the Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team (“BEAST”), and the investigation was conducted by Detective Alexandra Breyer and the Suffolk County Police Department’s Third Squad.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate four people who allegedly stole merchandise from a South Setauket store.

Four males allegedly stole food and bath products from Target, located at 265 Pond Path, on August 15 at approximately 11 a.m. The stolen merchandise has a value of approximately $565.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.