A Column Promoting a More Earth-Friendly Lifestyle
By John L. Turner
John Turner
While progress is being made in reducing the amount of food that’s wasted in the United States, for example in 2022 New York State passed important legislation — the NYS Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law, we have a long way to go.
Two informative websites where you can learn more about how to reduce wasted food are: “Save the Food” and “Love Food, Hate Waste.” These sites offer tips on better ways to store food to prevent spoilage and how to better plan the exact amount of food that’s needed for your family and for hosting guests at dinner parties, picnics, and other gatherings. They also offer many tasty recipes on using leftovers or food that you might typically throw out, like the stale ends of a bread loaf, tops of beets, extra ripe bananas, or bruised pears. Anyone for some killer banana bread or how about some “Bruised Pear Pandowdy”?
The sky’s the limit on ways to use all the food in your pantry and refrigerator.
A resident of Setauket, author John L. Turner is conservation chair of the Four Harbors Audubon Society, author of “Exploring the Other Island: A Seasonal Nature Guide to Long Island” and president of Alula Birding & Natural History Tours.
At one time, Carmenère was a minor red grape variety used in the making of some red Bordeaux wines. The outbreak of phylloxera (a root-eating louse) during the 1870s devastated much of Bordeaux’s vineyards. When the vineyards were replanted, Carmenère, which was difficult to graft, was mostly replaced by disease-resistant grape varieties.
It was during that same time Carmenère arrived in Chile, alongside other Bordeaux varieties. As of 2020, the acreage of Carmenère has dwindled to where it is virtually extinct in Bordeaux, although some is grown in Chile, Italy, California, and China.
Carmenère is a thick-skinned, medium acid red grape variety. Its name is supposedly derived from the word carmine, an obvious reference to its deep, rich color. According to DNA analysis, Carmenère is a cross between Cabernet Franc and Gros Cabernet. In Chile, it was officially categorized as Merlot until 1994, when the French ampelographer Jean-Michel Boursiquot visited Viña Carmen in Maipo Valley and correctly identified the grape as Carmenère.
Some recently tasted Carmenère wines are:
2017 Ventisquero “Obliqua” Apalta Vineyard “Carmenère,” Colchagua Valley, Chile. Blend of 94% Carmenère, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot. The wine was aged for 22 months in French oak barrels, followed by one year of bottle aging. The Carmenère grapes come from a small selection of low-yielding grapevines that surround a great oak tree, Nothofagus Obliqua.
Deep ruby with a complex bouquet and taste of blackberry, red currants, black figs, chocolate, and hints of white pepper. Medium-full bodied with an aftertaste of herbs and dried berries.
2019 Ventisquero “Vertice” Apalta Vineyard, Colchagua Valley, Chile. Blend of Carmenère and Syrah. The wine is a collaboration between renowned Australian winemaker John Duval and Ventisquero’s head winemaker, Felipe Tosso. Vertice was aged for 22 months in French oak barrels, followed by 14 months of bottle aging.
Reddish-purple color with a bouquet of black fruit, especially blackberry and black raspberry. Flavors of black plums, black peppercorns, and smoky meat. Hints of herbs, damp earth, and eucalyptus with medium-high acidity.
2020 Leyda Carmenère “Reserva,” Rapel Valley, Chile. Full bouquet and flavor of spicy plums, blackberries, cherries, and black pepper. Medium-bodied with subtle hints of anise, herbs, and dark chocolate.
2021 Lapostolle Cuvée Alexandre “Carmenère” Apalta Vineyard, Chile. Notes of blueberries, black cherry, green peppers, pomegranate, coffee, and vanilla. Aftertaste of plums, dill, and spices.
2020 Santa Rita 120 “Carmenère,” from Chile. Cherry-colored with flavors of blueberry, green pepper, coffee, pomegranate, and tart-berries. The aftertaste had hints of licorice and cinnamon.
Bob Lipinski is the author of 10 books, including “101: Everything You Need To Know About Whiskey” and “Italian Wine & Cheese Made Simple” (available on Amazon.com). He consults and conducts training seminars on Wine, Spirits, and Food and is available for speaking engagements. He can be reached at www.boblipinski.com OR [email protected]
The Whaling Museum & Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor, in partnership with TBR News Media of Setauket, has announced the launch of a Sea Glass Fiction Contest. This exciting competition invites students in grades 3 to 12 from Nassau and Suffolk counties to unleash their creativity by crafting stories inspired by a piece of sea glass.
Students are asked to craft a story inspired by the above sea glass fragment.
The contest, which kicked off this month, challenges participants to imagine a unique journey for the selected sea glass fragment chosen by The Whaling Museum and to weave a captivating tale around it. The winning stories will have the chance to be read at the museum’s annual Sea Glass Festival, a prestigious event celebrating sea glass and its significance in maritime history.
“Sea glass has a way of capturing the imagination, and we can’t wait to read the imaginative stories that come out of this unique contest,” said Nomi Dayan, Executive Director at The Whaling Museum.
Entries must be submitted electronically through the submission form on The Whaling Museum website by April 30, 2024. The contest is free to enter, and all works must be original and written solely by the author. Only residents of Nassau and Suffolk counties are eligible to participate.
“We look forward to the opportunity to celebrate and highlight the creative tales of students in the area,” said Daniel Dunaief, a journalist with TBR News Media. “Entrants can envision ways a piece of glass, shaped by water and time, provides a clue in a compelling narrative.”
Winners will be notified on or about June 1-7, 2024, and select winning entries will be eligible for publication in TBR News Media and on The Whaling Museum’s website. TBR will also highlight the winners in a weekly podcast. In addition, contest winners will receive complimentary tickets to The Whaling Museum’s Sea Glass Festival, held on July 21, 2024, where they will be recognized with a certificate.
“We are grateful to TBR News Media for partnering with us on this contest and helping to bring these young writers’ stories to a wider audience,” added Dayan.
For more information on the Sea Glass Fiction Contest, including guidelines and submission details, please visit cshwhalingmuseum.org/seaglasscontest.
The cast of 'The Thanksgiving Play.' Photo by Julianne Mosher/TBR News Media
The cast of 'The Thanksgiving Play.' Photo by Julianne Mosher/TBR News Media
The cast of 'The Thanksgiving Play.' Photo by Julianne Mosher/TBR News Media
The cast of 'The Thanksgiving Play.' Photo by Julianne Mosher/TBR News Media
By Julianne Mosher
How can a modern-day Thanksgiving play not ruffle any feathers, especially in a politically correct society?
Suffolk County Community College’s latest production of The Thanksgiving Play is not what one might expect. In fact, it is pure chaos, but hysterical chaos at its best.
Directed by Steven Lantz-Gefroh and written by Larissa FastHorse, the show consists of just four actors — Scott Dowd (Jaxton), Jerry Ewald (Caden), Michaela Fitzsimmons (Alicia or A-lee-see-ya), and Taylor D’Agostino (Logan). Set in an adorably relatable elementary school classroom, the four come in to start working on a culturally appropriate and politically correct play about the first Thanksgiving meal for kids.
One slight problem — all the actors are white, and very woke, and they feel that they cannot ethically perform a historically correct production as they grew up with white privilege. They hire a “real” actress from L.A., Alicia, who they believe is Native American… only to find out in show business looks can be deceiving.
FastHorse, who is the first female Native American playwright to have a show produced on Broadway, writes this clever satirical comedy with poise by serving up the hypocrisies of woke America, especially with topics like Thanksgiving, Native Americans and, dare I say his name? Christopher Columbus.
Originally making its Broadway debut in 2023, it comes to the smaller stage at SCCC’s Ammerman Campus in Selden and showcases the raw, amazing talent of these four theater students. Each one has a very bright future set up for them.
Dowd plays Jaxton, the yogi/part-time actor, who tries to always right his wrongs of being a straight, white male brings humor to the uncomfortable topic of race, especially when he’s tasked to be a part of something that needs to appeal to all people and cultures. Dowd plays the typical hippie who jumps on the bandwagon of whatever trend is going on, and he does it convincingly well.
Ewald plays Caden, a history teacher who has very serious feelings about Christopher Columbus, but also wants his side play writing performed by real humans. As in other SCCC performances, he makes the audience laugh with his slapstick shenanigans. That being said, we should highlight the choreographers for their realistic fight scene that will have you wince, but not look away.
D’Agostino plays Logan, the glue of the story, and the main protagonist who has to navigate these other personalities while trying to keep her job as a teacher in a new school district. But she’s also incredibly woke, and restricted by her overthinking and over producing. D’Agostino’s performance shines, definitely showing the leader that she is on and off the stage.
And we can’t forget Fitzsimmons, who plays Alicia, the L.A. actress brought in by Logan as the team’s cultural compass navigating Native American culture (Logan saw headshots of her on her website wearing braids and turquois). Your standard L.A. actress, she plays the snotty, and kind of stupid, actress who relies mostly on sex appeal for parts amazingly well. Her facial expressions even when she’s in the background tell a story in itself.
Through satire and humor, this one-act show addresses the misrepresentation of Native Americans, the lack of indigenous casting and the challenges of accurately representing indigenous people in American society — all of which FastHorse experienced herself as a Native American playwright.
And you’re honestly just going to laugh from the moment the four performers step on stage. Throughout the show, we bounce back and forth between the scene in the classroom to small musical numbers relating to Thanksgiving.
You’ll laugh at the humor, but also with how uncomfortable these conversations can be. So, even though it’s not Thanksgiving time at all, get in the spirit of cultural appropriation and white storytelling, and head over to SCCC to see this unique, hysterical and impressive show. You’re going to gobble it up.
The Theatres at Suffolk County Community College present The Thanksgiving Play in Theatre 119, Islip Arts Building Suffolk County Community College, 533 College Road, Selden on March 15, and 16 at 7:30 p.m., and March 17 at 2 p.m. General admission is $15, veterans and students 16 years of age or younger $10. SCCC students with current ID are offered one free ticket. To order, please call the box office at 631-451-4163.
Tom Cassidy with his late father, Hugh 'Joe' Cassidy. Photo by Jonathan Spier
By Thomas M. Cassidy
Thomas M. Cassidy
Artificial Intelligence (AI) will cost many people their jobs. But some occupations desperately needed by a rapidly aging population cannot be replaced by computers or machines. For example, nurse assistants in hospitals and nursing homes.
Research conducted by Goldman Sachs estimates that 25% of current work tasks could be automated by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Unlike prior technological advances that replaced workers in labor intensive occupations, this time “it’s the higher-paying jobs where a college education and analytical skills can be a plus that have a high level of exposure to AI,” according to The Pew Research Center.
During my twenty-year career as an investigator for the New York State Attorney General’s Office, I conducted many investigations of potential patient abuse in nursing homes and other health facilities. I had the privilege of meeting hundreds of nursing assistants. Most were dedicated, knowledgeable and compassionate, but a few were not. Nursing aides dress, bathe, toilet and ambulate patients among many other services. Sometimes they also interact with families, which can be a difficult task. Let me explain:
I was assigned to investigate a possible case of patient abuse at a nursing home. An elderly woman with a doctor’s order for a two-person transfer was helped from her bed for a bathroom trip by only one nurse aide. The elderly woman fell and fractured her hip. The nursing assistant was immediately suspended pending an investigation. My assignment was to investigate this incident as a possible crime. Here’s what happened:
The nursing home patient had a visit from her daughter. Mom told her daughter to help her get out of bed and walk her to the bathroom. The daughter obeyed and helped mom get out of bed. The daughter tried to hold her up, but mom was weak and started to slip. The daughter screamed for help. A nursing assistant rushed to help the falling patient, but it was too late. Mom fell and fractured her hip. There was no crime. The nursing assistant returned to work the next day.
Fast forward twenty years. My father, a World War II combat veteran and a decorated NYPD Detective Commander, fractured his hip at age 80. I visited him at the Long Island State Veterans Nursing Home in Stony Brook. He was alone in his room. He says, “Tom, help me get to the bathroom.” I say, “Dad, let me get an aide to help you.” He says, “YOUR MY SON, just do this for me. I don’t want anyone else to help.” I told him about the elderly woman who fractured her hip when her daughter tried to help her. He said, okay, go get someone to help. If not for my experience as an investigator, I might have tried to help my father. I was taught “To Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother.” But instead, two aides moved my dad safely to the bathroom and back into his bed. Nine months later he walked out of the nursing home to live at home with my mother.
Not every resident of a nursing home is elderly, but most are. In the United States today, one in every six Americans is age 65 or older. That number will increase dramatically in the next six years to 20% of the population or 70 million older Americans. Incredibly, nursing homes are closing, instead of opening.
The American Health Care Association reports that since 2020 almost 600 nursing homes have closed, and more than half of nursing homes limit new admissions due to staffing shortages. As a result, there is a shortfall of hospital beds nationwide because displaced nursing home patients remain in hospital beds until they can be safely transferred home or to a care facility.
The Massachusetts Hospital Association reports that one out of every seven medical-surgical beds are unavailable due to patients remaining in the hospital when they no longer need hospital care. Keep in mind that hospitals are required by federal law to provide emergency care, stabilize patients, and discharge patients to a safe environment.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nursing assistants have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses because they frequently move patients and perform other physically demanding tasks. For these, and many other tasks, nurse assistants are paid a median wage of less than $18 per hour; not even close to a salary that is in line with the responsibilities of their job. Small wonder that a survey by the American Health Care Association found that one of the biggest obstacles for hiring new staff in nursing homes is a lack of interested candidates.
Reversing the hemorrhage of nursing home closures requires leaders with Natural Intelligence (NI). It benefits all generations of Americans when hospitals fulfill their mission for acute care and not operate as quasi-nursing homes. After all, languishing in a crowded emergency room “Can Be Hazardous To Your Health!”
Thomas M. Cassidy is the creator of the TV series, Manhattan South, which is in development. (ktpgproductions.com)
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine speaks at a press conference to call on bail reform. Photo courtesy Ed Romaine flickr page
By Samantha Rutt
A chilling crime has shaken communities across Suffolk County as police discovered scattered human remains in Babylon and Bethpage, leaving residents horrified and demanding justice.
The shock has escalated into outrage as local officials and law enforcement point fingers at Albany’s bail laws, which they claim have allowed suspects to walk free without posting bail.
County Executive Ed Romaine (R) minced no words in expressing his frustration, stating, “The failure of Albany’s bail laws has resulted in those charged with dismembering and placing body parts in our communities to walk free without posting any bail.” Romaine’s sentiments echoed the feelings of many Suffolk County residents who consider the current bail system is failing to protect the community.
In response to the recent crime, New York State Sen. Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk) and Assemblyman Michael Durso (R-Massapequa Park) swiftly introduced new legislation (S.8751) to address the shortcomings of the bail system. The proposed bill aims to make body dismemberment and concealment of a human corpse a bail-eligible offense, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Palumbo condemned the current bail laws, stating, “Nobody with an ounce of sensibility would say it’s a good idea to let someone charged with the sickening act of human dismemberment leave jail and roam the streets.” Durso agreed, vowing to fight for change to ensure the safety of Suffolk County residents.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney (R) also weighed in on the issue, responding to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s (D) statements on bail reform in relation to the recent tragic discoveries. Tierney accused the governor of being “completely clueless or deceitful” about the criminal justice system and defended the efforts of law enforcement in the face of what he called “a broken bail system.”
Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson) added his voice to the chorus of criticism, expressing dismay over the release of suspects involved in the recent case where human remains were found. Flood denounced the lack of “humanity and morals” in the criminal justice system, attributing the problems to the flaws in bail reform laws.
The collective outcry from local officials emphasizes the need for action to address the failures of New York State’s bail laws. As communities continue to grapple with the consequences of these shortcomings, residents are looking to Albany for solutions that prioritize public safety and accountability in the criminal justice system.
Gov. Hochul responds
In a recent interview with PIX11, Hochul addressed concerns about bail reform, acknowledging the frustrations of law enforcement. She emphasized the importance of allowing judges to consider the whole body of evidence when making bail decisions and expressed her commitment to keeping people safe.
Hochul responded to additional comments made by Tierney, who suggested the need to reinstate the dangerousness clause and emphasized the law needs to be looked over.
“The standard changed just a few months ago — less than a year ago — and instead of the standard of dangerousness, we ask the judges now to look at a whole body of evidence,” she stressed.
Meanwhile, the community remains on edge as law enforcement continues to investigate the disturbing crime that has left a deep impact on the residents of the respective areas. As the investigation unfolds, residents are hopeful that meaningful change will come.
“Now, this is a very unique circumstance in Suffolk County,” Hochul said. “I know the Suffolk County Police Department is working hard to get to the bottom of this as is the DA. … They’re doing their job and I respect that. But the bail laws I thought went too far in the wrong direction. I’m bringing them back, and we’re going to continue to make sure that we keep people safe.”
Kevin Mann, president of the Rocky Point Rotary Club, announced that the local area has become the 402nd International City of Peace at this week’s Sound Beach Civic Assocation meeting. Photo by Inge Goldstein
By Ernestine Franco
The meeting started with a short history by Bea Ruberto, president of the civic, who stated that on Aug. 16, 1974, the Sound Beach Civic Association filed a certificate of incorporation with the purposes of promoting the civic and general welfare of Sound Beach, disseminating information on ordinances and laws affecting the area and promoting a more engaged and friendly relationship among the residents of Sound Beach.
On May 5, from 2 to 5 p.m., the civic will hold a celebration commemorating 50 years of serving the Sound Beach community at the Heritage Center in Mount Sinai. Students from the Rocky Point High School Music Department will provide music from about 2 to 3 p.m.
Ruberto explained that admission is free but because of limited seating, reservations are required. To reserve a seat, email the civic at [email protected].
A raffle auction at the event will launch a new civic revitalization initiative, Ruberto said, adding, “We continue to being committed to doing whatever we can for the economic improvement, beautification and overall quality of life issues in the hamlet of Sound Beach.” Proceeds from the raffle auction are earmarked for the children’s park on New York Avenue.
International City of Peace
Kevin Mann, president of Rocky Point Rotary Club, and Patrice Perreca, civic membership chair, made an important announcement: The area encompassing Rocky Point, Miller Place, Shoreham-Wading River and Middle Island school districts has become the 402nd International City of Peace in the global network of 75 countries on six continents.
First and foremost in this global adventure is to reject violence and become people of peace. International Cities of Peace is an association of communities that, by history or proclamation or concerted community peace building, are doing just that by self-defining their cities or neighborhoods as official Cities of Peace. This redefinition requires building a consensus network of business, government and community leaders who value safety, prosperity and quality of life. Then the work begins with a vision that delivers on the promise of a deep and empowering culture of peace.
As part of the local Corridor of Peace, Mann explained that residents need to “come up with three things that will increase peace” in their hamlets. Perreca will head this program in Sound Beach.
Brookhaven National Lab presentation
Rounding out the evening was Amy Engel, manager of environmental and community engagement at Brookhaven National Laboratory, who initially gave a short history of BNL, its science and the impact it has on the local economy. She discussed some of the programs offered at the lab: Educational programs for K-12, undergraduate and graduate students; fire management and prescribed burns; upcoming plans for the electron ion collider; and exciting developments in its medical isotope program, which helps cure cancer.
She encouraged anyone who may be looking for employment to attend a career day this Saturday, March 16, at the lab. At last year’s event some were offered employment that day.
At the end of her presentation, Engel said, “I love working at the lab, I love doing these presentations.” She added that she enjoys sharing with different communities all that the lab has to offer.
The next civic meeting is on April 8 at 7:30 p.m. The guest speaker will be Suzanne Johnson, president of Rocky Point Historical Society.
This week’s shelter pet is Jitterbug, a Female American Staffordshire Terrier Mix up for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter.
Estimated to be between two and three years-old, this little nugget of happiness was initially adopted from Florida. However, she was sadly surrendered to the Animal Shelter due to a penchant for escape. The dedicated team at the Animal Shelter and her trainers confirm that this young lady is the most outgoing, friendly pup who enjoys meeting new friends. To say that Jitterbug is a social butterfly would be an understatement.
This sweet girl has so much love to give, is full of energy and can be adopted to a home with older children, other dogs (preferably her size) and possibly cats. She is an absolute crowd-pleasing delight, who would make a wonderful addition to a household looking for a fun-loving companion.
If you are interested in meeting Jitterbug, please fill out an application and schedule a date/time to properly interact in a domestic setting, which includes a Meet and Greet Room, the dog runs, and a Dog Walk trail.
The Town of Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Visitor hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings by appointment only). For more information, call 631-360-7575 or visit www.townofsmithtownanimalshelter.com.
Foster Opportunity:
If you have no other pets or young children at home, and are looking for a way to serve your community, please consider signing up to be a foster. Foster parents provide temporary care for cats, kittens, and dogs in their own homes. Some animals need as little as two weeks of care, while others may need care for extended periods of time.
Injuries from falls can result in a loss of independence. METRO photo
By David Dunaief, M.D.
Dr. David Dunaief
Taking a tumble can result in broken bones and torn ligaments. These can be serious for older patients, where the consequences can be devastating. They can include brain injuries, hip fractures, a decrease in functional ability and a decline in physical and social activities (1). Ultimately, a fall can lead to loss of independence (2).
What can increase your fall risk?
Of course, there are environmental factors, like slippery or uneven surfaces. Other contributing factors to personal fall risk include age and medication use. Some medications, like antihypertensive medications, which are used to treat high blood pressure, and psychotropic medications, which are used to treat anxiety, depression and insomnia, are of particular concern. Chronic diseases can also contribute.
Circumstances that predispose us to falls also involve weakness in upper and lower body strength, decreased vision, hearing disorders and psychological issues, such as anxiety and depression (3).
What are some simple ways toreduce your fall risk?
It is most important to exercise. This means exercises that involve balance, strength, movement, flexibility and endurance, all of which play significant roles in fall prevention (4). The good news is that many of these can be done inside with no equipment or with items found around the home. We will look more closely at the research.
Nonslip shoes are a big help and, during the winter months, footwear that prevents sliding on ice, such as slip-on ice cleats that fit over your shoes.
In the home, inexpensive changes, like securing area rugs, removing tripping hazards, installing grab-bars to your bathroom showers and tubs, and adding motion-activated nightlights can also make a difference.
And, of course, pay attention when you’re walking. Resist the urge to text or read from your mobile device while you’re moving around. A recently published study of young, healthy adults found that texting while walking affected their gait stability and postural balance when they were exposed to a slip hazard (5).
How does medication put you at risk?
There are several medications that heighten fall risk. Psychotropic drugs top the list, but what other drugs might have an impact? A well-designed study showed an increase in fall risk in those who were taking high blood pressure medication (6). Those on moderate doses of blood pressure medication had the greatest risk of serious injuries from falls, a 40 percent increase.
These medications can reduce significantly the risks of cardiovascular disease and events, so physicians need to consider the risk-benefit ratio in older patients before stopping a medication. We also should consider whether lifestyle modifications, which play a significant role in treating this disease, can reverse your need for medication (7).
How much does exercise reduce fall risk?
A meta-analysis showed that exercise significantly reduced the risk of a fall (8). It led to a 37 percent reduction in falls that resulted in injury and a 30 percent reduction in falls that required medical attention. Even more impressive was a 61 percent reduction in fracture risk.
Remember, the lower the fracture risk, the more likely you are to remain physically independent. The author summarized that exercise not only helps to prevent falls but also fall injuries. Unfortunately, those who have fallen before, even without injury, often develop a fear that leads them to limit their activities. This leads to a dangerous cycle of reduced balance and increased gait disorders, ultimately resulting in an increased fall risk (9).
What types of exercise are best?
Any consistent exercise program that improves balance, flexibility, and muscle tone and includes core strengthening can help improve your balance. Among those that have been studied, tai chi, yoga and aquatic exercise have all been shown to have benefits in preventing falls and injuries from falls.
A randomized controlled trial showed that those who did an aquatic exercise program had a significant improvement in the risk of falls (10). The goal of the aquatic exercise was to improve balance, strength and mobility. Results showed a reduction in the overall number of falls and a 44 percent decline in the number of exercising patients who fell during the six-month trial, with no change in the control group.
If you don’t have a pool available, tai chi, which requires no equipment, was also shown to reduce both fall risk and fear of falling in older adults (11).
Another pilot study used modified chair yoga classes with a small assisted-living population (12). Participants were those over 65 who had experienced a recent fall and had a resulting fear of falling. While the intention was to assess exercise safety, researchers found that participants had less reliance on assistive devices and three of the 16 participants were able to eliminate their use of mobility assistance devices.
Our best line of defense against fall risk is prevention with exercise and reducing slipping opportunities. In addition, if you are 65 and older, or if you have arthritis and are at least 45 years old, it may mean reviewing your medication list with your doctor. Before you consider changing your blood pressure medications, review your risk-to-benefit ratio with your physician.
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 Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) recently unveiled a new self-guided audio experience at T. Bayles Minuse Mill Pond Park in Stony Brook Village. Titled “Beyond the Plaque,” this new audio experience gives participants the opportunity to learn about the people named on 16 plaques at the picturesque park. As they wander through the tranquil pathways, they’ll discover more than just names and dates — they’ll delve into the compelling stories and extraordinary journeys of the individuals commemorated on the plaques.
Many of the plaques are dedicated to members past and present of the Stony Brook community, each leaving a lasting impact on those they touched in their lives. Among the notable individuals you can learn about is T. Bayles Minuse, the very namesake of the park.
“Our idea of creating an audio experience dedicated to the people beyond the plaques originated two years ago during the unveiling of the newly rehabilitated T. Bayles Minuse Mill Pond Park,” said Dr. Richard Rugen, WMHO Chairman. “We are thrilled to unveil this to the public, just in time for spring.”
The Beyond the Plaque Audio Experience is offered completely FREE of charge, and accessible to all, anytime, and anywhere. To embark on this captivating tour, individuals can simply scan the QR codes located on informational signs within the park or visit audio.stonybrookvillage.com.
To learn more about events and activities in Stony Brook Village Center, please visit stonybrookvillage.com.
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