CLOSE

Yearly Archives: 2024

by -
0 1103
Social media applications. Pixabay photo

By Toni-Elena Gallo

According to News12 Long Island, thirteen Long Island school districts are suing social media companies Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and Facebook, citing increased mental health concerns among students.

South Huntington, Kings Park and Port Jefferson are just three of the school districts taking part in the class-action lawsuit.

South Huntington Union Free School District superintendent, Vito D’Elia, commented on his school district’s decision to join the lawsuit in a notice on the district’s website, saying, “We know the damage it’s doing to our students. We see it. We’re dealing with it. We see students that are more focused on their interactions on social media as opposed to their education. And, the ramifications are extremely dangerous.”

This stance was, recently, corroborated by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, when he said that “it is time to require a surgeon general’s warning label on social media platforms,” citing found evidence that more than three hours per day on social media can double the risk of poor mental health outcomes, including symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Social media use is a major component of the vast majority of adolescents’ lives. According to data obtained by Pew Research Center in 2022, up to 95% of youth, ages 13 to 17, use at least one social media platform, and more than a third use social media “almost constantly.”

A prime motive for joining the lawsuit is hiked mental health service costs, as students have been showing symptoms of internet overexposure.

South Huntington school district is seeking increased funding to employ more mental health professionals, as well as implement “social emotional learning lessons more,” including assemblies and workshops, on safe digital use.

Social media harm to students’ psyches has forced the school district to revamp their curriculum in recent years, with teachers having to focus on things “other than their actual lesson plans,” explained South Huntington Board of Education president, Nicholas Ciappetta, who added that the board’s decision to join the lawsuit was unanimous.

“There are costs associated with [our plans],” he said.

The lawsuit is also asking for the social media companies to implement appropriate and stricter safeguards including improved age verification, parental notification upon sign-up, improved management of age appropriate content and the design of their algorithms.

Ciappetta did add that the purpose of social media is not completely negative, or in vain.

“We’re not trashing social media,” he said. “[The school district] certainly uses it as a way of getting our message out. But if you look at any of the platforms, there’s a lot of negativity on there. And I think the negative always gets amplified. So you need a little more positivity and you need a little more kindness. And that’s something that the social media companies can invest in too. They can partner with us to promote that message.”

Joining the lawsuit comes at no cost to the school districts. Lawyers taking on this case will get a percentage of a monetary recovery, if any, that comes out of this legal challenge.

by -
0 972

By Katherine Kelton

Three Village resident Matthew Niegocki. Photo courtesy Matthew Niegocki

Three Village resident Matthew Niegocki has been ranked No. 91 Top Best-in-State Financial Security Professionals on the 2024 Forbes list.

TBR News Media sat down with Niegocki to learn about his work and how he earned the coveted Forbes title. 

Niegocki, who grew up in Ridge, had to make a difficult decision upon graduating college: Did he want to become a police officer or pursue an insurance career? He admits to not knowing much about financial security as it was more of an area of intrigue for him. 

Though his proficiency in the job is undeniable: “Right out of college, after interviewing at different financial advising positions, I chose Prudential. Graduated in May and started in June, 18 years later here I am.”

Niegocki’s dedication to his profession is unparalleled.

He shared a recent story that underscores his clientele relationships.

“I have a client out in Glendale, Queens — a senior woman,” he said. “She called me up asking for funds out of one of her accounts to make home improvements. So, I sent her some of the money. Then, she calls up again asking for more money — and this is someone who doesn’t spend extensively, and lives below her means. Her taking out large deposits, to me, raised a red flag.”

He continued by saying he had a conversation with her about exactly what home improvements she was having done that cost such a deep investment: a 7-foot flat roof for which she was going to be charged $136,000. Niegocki immediately called the Queens district attorney’s office and a contractor friend of his, who traveled out to the woman’s home.

It was clear to Niegocki that his client was being scammed.

“The guy that was scamming her got two guys from Home Depot, and they weren’t even using the correct tools,” he said. His contractor was able to complete the job, charging only a fraction of the original at $11,000. 

“My philosophy is to have a conversation,” he added. Taking time to build relationships with clients is key. With new prospects, he asks many questions, ensuring he is properly understanding them and their concerns, on a personal level.

Prudential Financial, the financial security company for which Niegocki has worked his entire career, has been designated one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies — an award given by the Ethisphere Institute, for the last 10 years.

Niegocki does admit that most firms in the financial security industry are “good companies.” He says that there is not a lot of competition within the industry, “believe it or not.”

He usually advises people not to switch their financial advisers, so long as they are happy. 

Prudential does have a unique outlook on insurance, Niegocki shared.

“It’s more of a needs-based approach. So, we sit down with families, individuals and business owners and have a conversation to see what their concerns are and what they’re looking to accomplish. Based on that, we tailor retirement planning and life insurance around that,” he said.

The Forbes distinction gives Niegocki extra credibility, as it will distinguish him from other advisers in the state.

Outside of work, Niegocki’s life does not revolve around phone calls, computer screens or emails. He enjoys a very active lifestyle, biking around the shores of the Three Village community, gardening and spending time with his family.

Matthew Niegocki, pictured with the Three Village Dads. Photo courtesy Matthew Niegocki

As a part of his community appreciation, he joined the Three Village Dads Foundation. This group has raised over $100,000 for the Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. The nonprofit, additionally, fundraises for local businesses and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3054, which serves the Three Village area.

“I love the Three Village community,” he said. “I feel like it’s a community like no other. There’s so much history. It’s great to raise a family and own a business — it is beautiful here.”

by -
0 634
Iwao Ojima and Martin Kaczocha (foreground) led the Stony Brook team in developing its class of Fatty Acid Binding Proteins (FABPs) a promising set of drug targets for new therapies. Photo by John Griffin, Stony Brook University

The “FABP” inhibitor is part of a series of compounds that uses the body’s natural marijuana-like substances to curb pain and inflammation

 Six years ago Stony Brook University through the Research Foundation for the State University of New York licensed a promising technology to Artelo Biosciences that identified Fatty Acid Binding Proteins (FABPs) as drug targets of the body’s endocannabinoid system for a potentially promising way to treat pain, inflammation and cancer. Now the first one of these compounds has been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human clinical trials.

Artelo announced this week that the FDA’s initial approval of one of the FABP5 (5 indicates a specific protein) selective compounds called ART26.12 enables the company to initiate its first human phase 1 single ascending dose study of the drug. The company states that ART26.12 will address a critical need for cancer patients, treating chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Phase 1 clinical trials are expected to be launched internationally during the first half of 2025.

ART26.12 is the lead compound in the series of FABP5 inhibitors under development. In 2018, Artelo received an exclusive license to the intellectual property of all FABP inhibitors for the modulation of the endocannabinoid system.

The work on FABPs originated with Iwao Ojima, PhD, SUNY Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Stony Brook University, Martin Kaczocha, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology in the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, and Dale Deutsch, PhD, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology at Stony Brook University, a research collaboration affiliated with  the Institute of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery (ICB & DD). They identified the action of FABPs as drug targets. Specifically, FABP5 was identified as the intracellular transporter for the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA), a neurotransmitter produced in the brain that binds to cannabinoid receptors.

The research group demonstrated in the laboratory that elevated levels of endocannabinoids can result in beneficial pharmacological effects on stress, pain and inflammation and also ameliorate the effects of drug withdrawal. Drs. Ojima (also Director of the ICB & DD), Kaczocha, Deutsch and colleagues discovered that by inhibiting FABP transporters, the level of AEA is raised. The finding provided the basis for the drug development approach to elevate the levels of AEA.

Artelo took this concept and approach to further develop the compounds. Their scientists collaborated with the Stony Brook team to reach new findings that has led to the commercialization and use of the first drug (ART26.12) in a potential pipeline of drugs to treat pain and inflammation.

After the license to Artelo was finalized, Drs. Ojima and Kaczocha under a contract with Artelo synthesized and evaluated compound candidates with high FABP5 potency and selectivity, an effort that culminated in the development of the lead candidate, SB-FI-1621, which Artelo named ART26.12.

“This is the first clinical stage compound targeting the FABP pathway, an important and exciting milestone,” says Sean Boykevisch, PhD, Director of Intellectual Property Partners in Stony Brook’s Technology Transfer Office. “The fundamental and translational research conducted by the Stony Brook team and their subsequent collaboration with Artelo resulted in a true bench-to-bedside program with the goal of better patient experiences and outcomes.”

“We look forward to sharing the initial clinical results with ART26.12 next year,” says Gregory D. Gorgas, President and CEO of Artelo Biosciences. “As the leading company pursuing FABP inhibition we are committed to building on the unique, lipid-modulating mechanism of our FABP inhibitor platform to address life-altering pathologies for which there are few, if any, safe and effective pharmaceutical treatments.”

For more about the Stony Brook research that developed FABP inhibitors and the grant to support years of research, see this news.

For more details on the FDA clearance news of the drug, and Artelo’s R&D plan, see this news.

 

 

by -
0 860
File photo
Suffolk County Police Second Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that seriously injured a pedestrian in Commack on July 19.

Maria Deluca was driving a 2020 Mercedes-Benz northbound in the parking lot of T.J. Maxx, located at 5020 Jericho Turnpike, when she made a left turn and struck an elderly woman at 1:59 p.m. The woman, whose name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, was transported to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip for treatment of serious injuries. Deluca, 63, of Dix Hills, was not injured.

The Mercedes-Benz was impounded for a safety check. Anyone with information on this crash is asked to call the Second Squad at 631-854-8252.

by -
0 532
File photo by Raymond Janis

America’s ‘war on opioids’

Fifteen years ago, a local 13-year-old boy died on his couch after overdosing from opioids. It was a shock to our community, and it set the ominous precedent for the opioid epidemic that has ravaged our country. As I often ask, why is it taking so long to stop the ever-increasing overdose deaths? Americans are dying inside our borders thanks to our adversaries who are funneling deadly drugs that have killed more Americans than multiple U.S. wars. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention more than 1 million Americans have died from opioid overdoses. In 2023, over 100,000 Americans died of overdoses, including an estimated 366 from the powerful opioid fentanyl in Suffolk County. 

As the former Suffolk County Addiction Prevention and Support Advisory Panel chair, I can tell you firsthand that the “war on opioids” is not even close to being over, even as we see a slight decline in death rates. We need to see this epidemic as a real war that our adversaries are waging against us and use military force to stop the needless deaths of so many of our fellow Americans. Those actions include sanctions on China, a hard crackdown on drug cartels and the border, and a united front throughout this country to address the carnage of the drug epidemic. 

That means putting some of the proposed $850 billion in military spending toward our own internal “war on opioids.” The Supreme Court recently ruled that the Sackler family, the owners of Purdue Pharma that produces OxyContin, cannot be shielded from liability. This decision holds the Sacklers accountable, however it also puts $6 billion in settlement funding, targeted to address the opioid epidemic, in jeopardy.

Let’s stop wasting time over political bashing and focus on what we need to do to make our country stronger and safer. We can end this war by uniting and finding effective strategies to identify drug dealers through law enforcement, providing services for those who need addiction and mental health support, and educating our kids on the dangers of opioids.

So much money has been made in legal and illegal opioid drug sales, yet no money can replace the loved ones we’ve lost who battled addiction and did not know they were casualties of America’s “war on opioids.” It’s time to end this war!

Sarah Anker

Former Suffolk County legislator and chair of Suffolk County’s Addiction Prevention and Support Advisory Panel. Current NYS Senate District 1 Democratic candidate.

A statement by Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey 

Violence has no place in our political process, whether in our capitols or on the campaign trail. We are thankful that former President Trump was not seriously harmed and we send our prayers to the loved ones of the rally spectators who were apparent victims of this callous assassination attempt. Kudos for the bravery and quick response of the Secret Service and members of law enforcement.

Kevin McCaffrey

Suffolk County Legislature

A statement from Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine

Hatred and acts of violence toward an elected official or candidate for office regardless of political affiliation have no place in this country. As Americans, we stand united on the principles that make our country strong. While there are no reported threats in Suffolk County at this time, my office will continue to monitor the situation.

Ed Romaine

Suffolk County Executive

by -
0 797
Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai. Wikimedia Commons photo

By Peter Sloniewsky

On Thursday, June 11, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R) was joined by Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico (R) and Councilwoman Jane Bonner (R-Rocky Point) to promote a new I/A water filtration system, soon to be installed at Cedar Beach.

Innovative and Alternative On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems use advanced treatment methods to remove nitrogen and other pollutants from wastewater before it is released into the environment.

As of July 2021, Suffolk County requires installment of I/A systems for most new residential construction projects. However, much of Long Island, especially Suffolk, uses septic systems instead of sewers due to the area’s historic low population density. While septic systems are cost-effective and efficient, increases in population have led to nitrogen pollution in both surface-level and underground bodies of water. This nitrogen pollution causes harmful algal blooms, which can destroy ecosystems by consuming excess oxygen in water and cause a variety of conditions in exposed humans.

The more-than 1.5 million people of Suffolk County rely on more than 380,000 cesspools and wastewater systems, including over 209,000 systems located in areas that already have environmental risks. Bonner, who represents the town’s District 2, told TBR News Media that “we have a water problem, with a direct correspondence to cesspools.”

Additionally, the sewer systems already in place on Long Island have a tendency to contribute to road runoff, with a similar effect of nitrogen pollution. When there is more water than sewer pipe systems can handle, partially treated wastewater can flow directly into nearby bodies of water, which can include waste, pesticides, oil and litter. Bonner clarified that “the topography [of the North Shore] lends itself to road runoff … I/A systems and sewers will certainly help that.”

In Suffolk County, there are two types of I/A systems which have been approved by the Department of Health Services — FujiClean and HydroAction. Both technologies have been proven to reduce total nitrogen levels far below the county standard, and to reduce those levels more than 80% from conventional septic systems (which do not typically meet the standard).

The Cedar Beach filtration system will be paid for by a $100,000 grant funded by the Water Quality Protection and Restoration Program. This program was revised and extended in late June, and was sponsored by Romaine.

Revisions to the program include the establishment of a referendum for this November’s general election ballot, which, if approved, would establish an additional sales tax of one-eighth of 1 percent to fund a new Water Quality Restoration Fund. Romaine claimed he “cannot emphasize enough the importance of this referendum” to address water contaminants, and the language of the referendum itself claims that its passage will ensure “county funding to 2060 for clean water projects, improvements in drinking water, bays and harbors” — such as the I/A system to be installed at Cedar Beach.

Bonner told TBR News Media that this new fund would be “split between I/A systems and sewers,” and Romaine described the fund as vital to fund sewer construction especially in less developed areas of the county.

by -
0 882
An aedes albopictus mosquito, better known as the Asian tiger mosquito. Pixabay photo

By Daniel Dunaief

Mosquitoes can be much more than a nuisance as they search for their next blood meal: they can also pass along potentially dangerous viruses.

Long considered a tropical and subtropical health threat, dengue fever has reached record levels in the Americas this year. The illness has been traveling with Aedes mosquitoes that have been moving further north amid global climate change.

As of early July, mosquitoes in Texas, Florida and California have had one of the four viruses associated with the disease. Through early July, Florida reported 10 cases from local spread, according to an American Medical Association update.

Suffolk County residents who have traveled into areas that have dengue have contracted the illness, which has symptoms that are similar to the flu, such as high fever, headaches, body aches, nausea, vomiting and a rash.

Suffolk County has reported 12 cases of travel-related dengue so far through early July, which is more than all of last year and is the highest level since 2013, when 13 cases were reported for the entire year.

“We do have a fair amount of concern with global warming,” said Dr. Sharon Nachman, Chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. “Even if people do not believe in it, mosquitoes have changed where they’re located. There is concern that the mosquitoes” will continue their trek farther north.

Suffolk County is one of many places throughout the country and the Americas that have reported an increase in cases for a disease for which residents have generally had no exposure and, as a result, no natural immunity.

New York State Department of Health alerted medial professionals to consider dengue as a diagnosis if people who are sick have a travel history and related symptoms, Dr. Gregson Pigott, Suffolk County Health Commissioner, explained in an email.

Symptoms of dengue typically begin within two weeks of being bitten by an infected mosquito.

From January 1 through June 24, countries in the Americas reported more than 9.7 million dengue cases, twice as many as in all of 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Indeed, in Puerto Rico, infection levels climbed so high in early April that the Puerto Rico Health Department declared a public health emergency.

While a majority of dengue infections are asymptomatic or produce mild illnesses, the virus can cause severe cases and can be fatal, according to the World Health Organization.

“Anyone who lives in or travels to an area with risk of dengue is at risk for infection,” Pigott explained. “Children and those who are elderly are at higher risk for serious illness.”

People with dengue typically receive supportive care, which includes rest, pain medications and fluids.

Protection

Health professionals urged people traveling to areas with dengue to take a number of steps to protect themselves.

EPA-registered insect repellents, coupled with loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants can keep mosquitoes away.

Additionally, people can treat their clothing and gear, including hats, shoes and socks, with permethrin.

“Don’t be around standing water, which is a wonderful place for mosquitoes to breed,” advised Nachman.

In Suffolk County, the arthropod-borne disease lab collects mosquitoes and sends them to the New York State Department of Health lab in Wadsworth, New York. Asian tiger mosquitoes, which have carried dengue, zika and chikungunya viruses, have been found in Suffolk County, Pigott added.

“No samples of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes that have been sent to the lab have tested positive for those viruses,” Pigott wrote.

While health professionals are on the lookout for potential cases of dengue among residents who have traveled, they are more concerned currently with West Nile virus, which people can contract locally.

Other local illnesses

As for illnesses in the county, Nachman has seen patients who have been battling a collection of viruses, including enteroviruses and Covid.

Residents who are staying around Long Island should continue to be careful about ticks that can carry Lyme disease. Anyone who is going hiking should consider long pants and long sleeves, as well as dirt on their clothing.

“If you take your kids out to hike, check them and you for ticks,” said Nachman.

by -
0 902
Photo courtesy of NYCBS

New York Cancer & Blood Specialists (NYCBS), recently opened a new state-of-the-art comprehensive cancer center at 1500 Route 112, Building 1 in Port Jefferson Station. The center is approximately 18,000 square feet and just across the parking lot from its previous location in Building 1.

“Our new facility represents a significant step forward in our mission to deliver world-class cancer care,” said Dr. Jeff Vacirca, Chief Executive Officer of NYCBS. “With this new space, we can see even more patients, ensuring everyone receives the timely and comprehensive care they need. This move allows us to provide integrated, patient-centered care in a modern and comfortable setting, reflecting our dedication to improving patient outcomes and experiences.”

According to a press release, the new facility, equipped with cutting-edge technology and expanded services, is designed to enhance patient care and comfort. NYCBS’s experienced oncologists will continue to provide comprehensive cancer care using the latest advancements. The new facility increases capacity, with 33 infusion chairs and 26 exam rooms, ensuring reduced wait times for timely and efficient treatment.

The advanced radiology department offers precise diagnostic imaging, featuring a 64-slice Evo CT scanner and ultrasound capabilities. A unique and significant feature of the new facility is the dedicated wellness suite, established through a partnership with Mondays at Racine. This suite provides free services to patients, such as oncology massage, skincare, and beauty treatments, to support their overall well-being. 

For more information, visit nycancer.com or call 631-751-3000.

by -
0 522
Mather Hospital. Photo by Jim Lennon

Mather Hospital, 75 North Country Road, Port Jefferson has opened a special monitoring unit for individuals with epilepsy. Patients will come in for multi-day admission and will undergo continuous video electroencephalography (EEG), which will allow the healthcare team to make a more accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Consisting of four single beds in the hospital’s 3 North patient unit, the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) is staffed by epileptologists, neurologists, nurses, hospitalists, and EEG technicians. The unit is headed by Usman Mirza, MD, who completed his residency in neurology and a fellowship in EEG/Epilepsy, both at Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine. 

“The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit is very important in the optimal evaluation and management of patients living with epilepsy and suffering from seizure-like events,” Dr. Mirza said. “Studies show that longer video EEG recordings increase the chances of capturing brain wave abnormalities. Furthermore, the data obtained about their seizures/events can be a vital learning tool for patients and families to be better prepared and to play a stronger role in their treatment plans.”

Video EEG  uses a video camera and recorder to track brain wave activity during and between seizures so doctors can review and analyze what happens when the patient has a seizure and determine the best course of treatment.  Other times, patients who may be having seizure-like events benefit from being evaluated in the EMU to clarify diagnosis and guide management.

Referrals to the unit will be made by a neurologist or other healthcare providers in consultation with neurology.

“This new program is another example of how Mather Hospital embraces innovative ways to raise the health of the community and exceed expectations of what healthcare should be,” said Kevin McGeachy, Executive Director.

by -
0 640
Photo from Unsplash/David Close

One of the many attractions of Long Island is access to our beautiful beaches. As we take full advantage of our island’s coasts in this hot weather, it is important to stay informed on the risks of the ocean. 

While deaths from shark attacks are uncommon — there were only two recorded fatalities nationally caused by a shark in 2023 — Long Island has seen an uptick in shark bites in recent years. Here, at least five people were bitten by sharks in 2023 and eight bites were recorded in 2022. 

Robert Moses State Park was a popular spot for sharks last summer with several bites and multiple sightings. Several of the bites occurred during the Fourth of July weekend, so while it’s possible more sharks may be visiting our coast, there was likely an uncommonly large number of people at the beach for the holiday, and therefore more people who were ignorant of shark safety. 

This summer, it is important to prepare for what the increased number of bites in the last two years have shown us: that we share the water with sharks. 

Experts trace the increase to the stabilization of endangered shark species, such as the sandbar shark, as well as warming water temperatures that are attracting prey closer to the shores. 

Luckily, there are many ways to prepare ourselves before plunging into potentially dangerous environments. 

An attack can be prevented by staying up to date on sightings and checking the state of the water. Last year, Robert Moses State Park prohibited swimming after a shark sighting. However, you don’t always have to wait for officials to take action in order to stay safe. 

Before swimming, it is helpful to observe the water yourself, making note of any schools of fish, dolphins and seabirds — signs that a shark could be nearby. Often, being alert to your surroundings is the primary way you can protect yourself. 

If the coast is clear and you choose to swim, stay with other swimmers and in the line of sight of a lifeguard. Avoid swimming when sharks are most active, at dawn or after dusk. To further protect yourself, don’t wear shiny jewelry — the sheen resembles the shimmer of fish scales — or bright colors.

Lifeguards and other officials have taken steps to diminish the danger, such as monitoring beaches with drones, patrolling the area and carrying bite-specific first-aid materials. 

The sharks visiting Long Island are primarily nonaggressive and on the smaller side. If you are in the water and see a shark, try to maintain eye contact. 

Remember, attacks occur when sharks mistake a person or surfboard for prey. They aren’t vengeful, malicious creatures as movies like “Jaws” might suggest, but an essential part of the ecosystem of the ocean. In fact, biologists and experts see an increase in sharks as a good sign that the ecosystem is stabilizing after years of overfishing.

 Swim safely this summer, keeping in mind that sharks, too, love our Long Island beaches. 

Prev1...171172173...360Next Page 172 of 360
TBR News Media is your local news and entertainment website.
We provide you with the latest breaking news and information for your community.
Contact us: [email protected]

Most Viewed

©