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Michael Voltz, PSEG Long Island's director of Energy Efficiency and Renewables, speaks at the PSEG Long Island Energy Forum for Advocates on Oct. 23, 2024. The annual event is an information sharing opportunity for groups and agencies that provide services to the financially disadvantaged. Photo from PSEG LI

As winter heating season approaches, PSEG Long Island reminds customers that programs exist to help people struggling with utility bills. There are also many ways they can lower their bills by using energy wisely.

“While PSEG Long Island is not a provider of natural gas or heating oil, we want all of our customers to be able to keep their homes warm this winter,” said Lou DeBrino, PSEG Long Island’s vice president of Customer Operations. “To help customers manage their electricity expenses, we offer resources, tips and a variety of energy efficiency programs. There are also state programs that can help with heating costs. We know some customers are struggling to pay bills, and we encourage them to reach out to us to enroll in a deferred payment agreement and learn about available financial assistance programs. We’re here to help.”

Assistance available to those struggling with bills

PSEG Long Island wants to work with any customer struggling to pay their bills and help them find a solution. The company encourages anyone with a past-due account balance to call 1-800-490-0025 so a representative can help them develop a deferred payment agreement tailored to the needs of their household.

PSEG Long Island also offers its Residential Energy Affordability Partnership Program, a free program for income-eligible customers designed to help them save energy and lower their energy bills. A REAP technician will visit a customer’s home to conduct a free home energy survey and may install energy-saving measures. To learn more, visit psegliny.com/myaccount/customersupport/financialassistance/reap.

Additionally, PSEG Long Island wants to make customers aware of the financial assistance programs offered by New York State:

  • The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can provide a heating fuel grant to eligible homeowners and renters depending on income, household size and how they heat their home. A family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $6,390 and still qualify for benefits. This benefit is scheduled to open on Nov. 1. For more information, visit https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/.
  • Emergency HEAP, a subset of the HEAP program, offers eligible customers a grant to help low- and middle-income New Yorkers avoid having their home heating disconnected or or if  they are running low or are out of their deliverable heat source (i.e. fuel oil, kerosene or propane). This emergency portion of HEAP is scheduled to open on Jan. 2, 2025. If customers are experiencing an emergency, they can apply for this benefit by reaching out to their local Department of Social Services location, which can be found here: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/contacts/
  • For low-income households facing no-heat situations, the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is also accepting applications for its heating equipment repair or replacement benefit. Eligible homeowners can now apply for up to $4,000 for repair or $8,000 for replacement of a furnace, boiler or other direct heating equipment necessary to keep the household’s primary heating source working. Additionally, eligible households can receive energy efficiency services, which includes the cleaning of primary heating equipment to allow for its safe and efficient operation. Customers can apply for this benefit by reaching out to their local Department of Social Services location, which can be found here: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/contacts/

Customers who apply for and receive one of these state or federal benefits are automatically placed on PSEG Long Island’s Household Assistance Program, which provides a discount of $40 or more a month on their electric bill.

Customers who do not or cannot receive one of these state and federal benefits can apply for the Household Assistance Program in other ways. More information is available at psegliny.com/myaccount/customersupport/financialassistance/householdassistance

How customers can lower their bills

The most effective thing customers can to do lower their bills is to use electricity more efficiently. Here are some helpful tips:

  • Seal windows and doorframes with weather stripping or caulk, and remove or cover window air conditioners to help to prevent drafts that waste energy and money.
  • Ceiling fans can be used to save energy in winter. Setting a fan to rotate clockwise on low pulls cool air toward the ceiling, pushing warm air down into a room.
  • Lower your thermostat by just one degree to potentially reduce your heating bill. Lowering it two degrees during the day and five to 10 degrees at night will save even more.
  • Use a programmable thermostat to automatically manage your home’s heating and cooling needs.ENERGY STAR® estimates that homes with high heating and cooling bills, as well as homes that are unoccupied for much of the day, can save approximately $100 a year with an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat. In addition, PSEG Long Island offers rebates on smart thermostats.
  • Replace inefficient incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs since, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, lighting accounts for about 15% of the electricity used in the home, and LEDs use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer.
  • Install timers and motion detectors to automatically manage indoor and outdoor lighting and help ensure lights are not on when they’re not needed.
  • Reduce “phantom power” by using energy efficient power strips or unplugging electronic devices when they’re not in use. Items plugged into outlets use electricity even when they’re turned off.
  • Customers on Time-of-Day rates can run the dishwasher, clothes dryer and other high-energy-use appliances outside of peak hours.
  • Customers on Time-of-Day rates can charge electric vehicles to run outside of peak hours.
  • Install a high efficiency air source heat pump (ASHP) to lower energy usage, save money and provide greater comfort in cold and hot months. Rebates are available from PSEG Long Island’s Home Comfort Program for ducted ASHP units and ductless mini split systems. Additionally, PSEG Long Island’s Home Comfort Plus program offers enhanced rebates for customers who meet certain income qualifications.

More money-saving ideas and rebate information are available at psegliny.com/saveenergyandmoney/energystarrebates.

Chris Books. Photo courtesy of St. Catherine of Siena Hospital

Chris Boukas, RN, MBA, FACHE, has been named Chief Operating Officer at Catholic Health’s St. Catherine of Siena Hospital. Boukas has over 20 years of experience in healthcare administration and nursing.

In his new role, Boukas will oversee the hospital’s operational and administrative functions; design and implement business strategies; set comprehensive goals for performance and growth across all clinical service lines; and continue to ensure patient safety and patient satisfaction. 

“We are delighted to have Chris as part of St. Catherine’s executive leadership team,” said St. Catherine of Siena Hospital President Declan Doyle. “With extensive experience in hospital operations, system integration, regulatory compliance and emergency management, Chris has proven his steadfast leadership and strategic planning skills. As St. Catherine’s COO, Chris will further enhance our hospital’s mission in providing the highest quality of care to our patients.”

Prior to joining Catholic Health, Boukas served as Northwell Health’s Senior Director, Operations, where he oversaw various departments, as well as provided administrative and clinical oversight at Cohen Children’s Medical Center. In this role, he achieved the highest level of performance in operating units, as well as established and managed plans to ensure productivity, operational and financial performance. 

During his long-standing career, Boukas also held numerous other roles as Northwell Health’s Senior Administrative Director of the Division of Endocrinology and Rheumatology; Assistant Director of Nursing at Huntington Hospital; Regional Director, Operations at Advantage Care Physicians at its campuses in Brooklyn and Long Island; Northwell’s Senior Administrative Manager, Operations and Ambulatory Services and Assistant Director of Nursing; and Manager at Forest Hills Hospital’s Emergency Department.

Earning his Master of Business Administration from Hofstra University, Boukas also received a business certification at Cornell University’s Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management in Ithaca, NY.  In addition, Chris earned two Bachelor of Science degrees –one in Nursing at the University of Maryland and another in Exercise and Sports Science at the University of Delaware. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, as well as a member of the Emergency Nurses Association. 

q*bicles by Jeremy Teipen

The Flecker Gallery, located in the Southampton Building on the Ammerman Campus of Suffolk County Community College in Selden, will present a solo exhibition featuring the innovative works of visiting artist Jeremiah Teipen from Nov. 14 through Dec. 17. Titled q*bicles, This special event will showcase an immersive installation highlighting Teipen’s recent work, which explores the complex relationship between the digital and physical realms in our increasingly interconnected world.

An opening reception and gallery talk will take place on Thursday, November 14, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. During the gallery talk, Teipen will share insights into his creative process and the inspirations behind his thought-provoking themes. Light refreshments will be served, and all are welcome to partake in an afternoon filled with art and conversation.

Jeremiah Teipen is a visual artist based in Brooklyn. He holds an MFA from the School of Visual Arts and a BFA from the Columbus College of Art & Design. Teipen has received numerous awards and grants, including a production grant from the Asia Culture Center in Gwangju, the Asian Cultural Council Japan/United States Grant, and exhibition grants from the Seoul Foundation of Arts and Culture and ARKO and Arts Council Korea.

His work has been featured in various national and international exhibitions, including notable venues such as the Circulo de Bellas Artes in Madrid, Centro de Arte de Burgos, and the Queens Museum in New York. Teipen’s art has also been showcased at prestigious institutions like Tokyo Geijutsu Daigaku, Gallery Factory in Seoul, and the Asia Culture Center in Gwangju. His work has garnered attention in multiple journals and publications, including the Leonardo Journal of Arts and Sciences by TheMIT Press and The New York Times.

The Flecker Gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 12:30 to 5 p.m., with additional hours available by appointment.

Suffolk County Community College’s Ammerman campus is located at 533 College Road in Selden. For more information, call 631-451-4110.

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Photo from StatePoint

With so many Medicare options available, selecting a plan can seem daunting. This year you may be wondering how news of Medicare drug price negotiations, economic uncertainties and other factors may impact your coverage in 2025.

Medicare is the government health insurance program for Americans 65 and older and others who qualify, providing hospital coverage (Part A) and physician visits (Part B) to beneficiaries. Additionally, there are a variety of options that coordinate with original Medicare, such as Medicare Supplement plans and Prescription Drug Plans, or replace original Medicare with Medicare Advantage (MA) plans combined with Prescription Drug Plans.

During this year’s Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which takes place between Oct. 15-Dec. 7, 2024, here’s what Cigna Healthcare, which serves millions of Medicare customers nationwide, wants you to know:

1. Check for plan changes: If your current plan is working for you, you can likely keep it. However, it’s a good idea to review your plan every AEP, especially if you’ve experienced major life, health or financial changes. Any changes to your current plan will be outlined in your Medicare plan’s Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter, which you can expect to receive in September.

2. Research your coverage: There are a few key things to watch for when shopping for a plan. One of them is whether your favorite providers and specialists will be in-network. You should also review each plan’s formulary – that is, the list of drugs covered under the plan. You’ll want to find a plan that will cover your current medications and any you anticipate your doctor prescribing over the course of the year ahead. Finally, carefully consider your total spend for your prescription drug plan coverage (i.e., premiums plus pharmacy costs) since the maximum out-of-pocket costs for drugs you utilize will be capped at $2,000 in 2025.

3. Look for value: No matter what the economic outlook is, it’s wise to select a plan that provides great value. To that end, you may want to consider an MA plan, which offers quality and affordability. MA plans cover everything original Medicare does, plus more; most also include dental, vision and hearing benefits, prescription drug coverage, and other extras like over-the-counter drugs, transportation to doctor’s visits and pharmacies, healthy grocery purchases, and fitness services. MA plans are often available with $0 premiums, but you’ll also want to check on what your annual out-of-pocket costs could be based on your health status.

4. Understand your plan: Before enrolling in a particular plan, make sure you understand its ins and outs. Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24/7; TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. Or, visit the Medicare Plan Finder website at Medicare.gov/plan-compare. For local assistance, refer to the State Health Insurance Assistance Program at www.shiptacenter.org. You can also contact individual Medicare plans, including Cigna Healthcare at CignaMedicareInformation.com.

“AEP is your opportunity to assess your budget and your health needs and find an option that will work for you and your lifestyle in 2025,” says Ryan Kocher, chief growth officer for Cigna Healthcare Medicare. (StatePoint)

The DASH diet is a flexible eating plan that helps create a heart-healthy eating style for life. Stock photo

By David Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

Heart failure (HF) occurs when the heart’s pumping is not able to keep up with the body’s demands for blood and oxygen and may decompensate. Unlike a heart attack, it develops slowly over years and may take a long time to become symptomatic. According to the latest statistics, 6.7 million Americans over the age of 19 are affected (1).  These numbers are projected to increase to 8.7 million by 2030, with the greatest growth among those aged 35 to 64 (2).

There are two types of heart failure, systolic and diastolic. Put simply, the difference is that the output of blood with each contraction of the heart’s left ventricle is generally preserved in diastolic HF, while it can be significantly reduced in systolic HF.

Fortunately, both types can be diagnosed with an echocardiogram, an ultrasound of the heart. The signs and symptoms of both include shortness of breath during daily activities or when lying down; edema or swelling in the feet, legs, ankles or stomach, reduced exercise tolerance; and feeling tired or weak. These can have a significant impact on your quality of life.

Major lifestyle risk factors for heart failure include obesity, smoking, poor diet, being sedentary, excessive alcohol intake (3). Medical conditions that increase your risk include diabetes, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and valvular heart disease.

Heart failure can be treated with medication, including blood pressure medications, such as beta blockers, ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers. All of these have side effects. We are going to look at recent studies that examine the role of diet in reducing your risk. 

The role of antioxidants in your diet

If we look beyond the risk factors mentioned above, some studies have explored the role oxidative stress may play an important role in contributing to HF.

In an analysis of the Swedish Mammography Cohort, researchers showed that a diet rich in antioxidants reduces the risk of developing HF (4). In the group that consumed the most nutrient-dense foods, there was a significant 42 percent reduction in the development of HF, compared to the group that consumed the least. The antioxidants were mainly from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, coffee and chocolate. Fruits and vegetables were responsible for most of the effect.

This study was the first to investigate the impact of dietary antioxidants on heart failure prevention.

This was a large study: it involved 33,713 women with 11.3 years of follow-up. Still, there are limitations, because it was an observational study, and the population involved only women. However, the results are very exciting, and there is little downside to applying this approach.

Applying the DASH diet

A 2022 study examined the effects of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet on the risk of developing HF (5). This study included over 76,000 men and women, ages 45-83 and without previous HF, ischemic heart disease or cancer from the Cohort of Swedish Men and the Swedish Mammography Cohort.

The DASH diet emphasizes consuming fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes, and low-fat dairy and de-emphasizes red and processed meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, and sodium.

The researchers found that long-term adherence to the DASH diet was associated with a lower risk of HF. The greater the participants’ adherence, the greater the positive effect.

Interestingly, even replacing one serving per day of red and processed meat with one serving per day of other DASH diet foods was associated with an approximate 10 percent lower risk of HF.

Comparing a variety of diets

The REGARDS (REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke) Trial examined the impact of five dietary patterns on later development of HF in over 16,000 patients followed for a median of 8.7 years. The dietary patterns included convenience, plant-based, sweets, Southern, and alcohol/salads (6). 

Researchers found that a plant-based dietary pattern was associated with a significantly lower risk of HF. Compared with the lowest quartile, the highest quartile of adherence to the plant-based dietary pattern was associated with a 41 percent lower risk of HF. 

The highest adherence to the Southern dietary pattern was associated with a 72 percent higher risk of HF after adjusting for age, sex, and race and for other potential confounding factors. Researchers found less effect after further adjusting for body mass index, waist circumference, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, and chronic kidney disease.

They did not observe any associations with the other 3 dietary patterns.

These studies suggest that we should seek to prevent heart failure with dietary changes, including consuming higher amounts of antioxidant-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, and lower amounts of red and processed meats.

References:

(1) Circulation. 2024;149:e347–913. (2) hfsa.org. (3) cdc.gov. (4) Am J Med. 2013 Jun:126(6):494-500. (5) Eur J of Prev Cardiology 2022 May: 29(7): 1114–1123. (6) J Am Coll Cardiol. 2019 Apr 30; 73(16): 2036–2045.

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) celebrated Halloween with its 34th Annual Halloween Festival, held on October 31st from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Stony Brook Village Center. This year’s festival brought families and visitors together to experience Halloween festivities in a fun and welcoming atmosphere. Guests of all ages enjoyed live music provided by WALK 97.5, trick-or-treating throughout the Village Center, and dancing with Monster Merlin.

This event was sponsored by Suffolk Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy, Optimum, News 12 Long Island, Green Towers Group, Amazon Fresh, Apple Bank, Goldfish Swim School, Dr. Rocco Morelli, and Dr. Robert Quilty.

During the event, WMHO announced the winners of their highly anticipated 34th Annual Scarecrow Competition, which showcased impressive scarecrow designs across three categories: Professional, Adult & Family, and Children. The winners are as follows:

  • Category A – Professional
    • 1st Place: #300 – The Headless Horseman
    • 2nd Place: #101 – The Village Medium
  • Category B – Adult & Family
    • 1st Place: #108 – Beetlejuice
    • 2nd Place: #304 – Sistaaahs!
    • 3rd Place: #112 – Believe in Magic
  • Category C – Children
    • 1st Place: #202 – Duck Pond Scarecrow
    • 2nd Place: #105 – Lego Master
    • 3rd Place: #207 – The Rainbow Fish
For more information about upcoming events and programs, visit WMHO’s website at www.wmho.org.

TinaMarie Gianelli

New York Cancer & Blood Specialists (NYCBS) has announced the appointment of TinaMarie Gianelli as its new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). In this role, Gianelli will continue to spearhead the organization’s strategic human resources initiatives and operations, ensuring the continued growth and development of NYCBS’s talented team.

“TinaMarie embodies a combination of a passion for people and a results-driven mindset – two critical attributes to the success of a Chief Human Resources Officer,” said Dr. Jeff Vacirca, CEO of NYCBS. “We are excited to have her lead our human resources efforts and continue strengthening our team.”

As CHRO, Gianelli will oversee employee relations,
professional development, and the overall well-being of the NYCBS workforce. Her vision and leadership will support the organization’s goals of delivering compassionate, world-class cancer care while cultivating a dynamic, thriving, and supportive workplace.

“I’m deeply honored to step into this new role as Chief Human Resources Officer at New York Cancer & Blood Specialists,” said Gianelli. “I look forward to continuing our commitment to supporting our incredible team as we work together to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our patients.”

Gianelli joined the organization in 2021 and has over 20 years of experience in human resources, with over eight years of experience specifically in a healthcare setting. She studied Psychology and Sociology at Albright College.

For more information, please visit nycancer.com.

Mark your calendars! The Holiday Market at Mt. Sinai Congregational Church, 233 N.Country Rd., Mt. Sinai, returns on Saturday, November 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Get a jump on your holiday shopping! The event will feature lots of vendors, delicious baked goods, crafts, holiday decorations, raffles and basket auctions. The Red Barn Thrift Store next door will be open for shopping as well! Free admission. Call 631-473-1582 for additional information.

Suffolk County receives “full plus recognition” for fourth consecutive year

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services has received “full plus recognition” from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for its Diabetes Prevention Program for the fourth consecutive year. The designation is reserved for programs that have effectively delivered a quality, evidence-based program that meets all the highest standards for CDC recognition.

“Suffolk County residents are incredibly lucky to have available to them a no-cost program that is highly successful at supporting them with modest lifestyle changes to help reduce their risk of acquiring diabetes and other preventable diseases,” said County Executive Ed Romaine.

The Suffolk County Diabetes Prevention Program exceeded the national average in participant risk reduction by roughly 30%. Among program participants last year, 80% achieved a 5% weight loss, 67% participated in 150 minutes per week of physical activity over the course of eight sessions and 27% reduced their baseline HbA1C.

The National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) has been proven to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. The DPP is a year-long program that meets in small groups. A trained lifestyle coach leads the weekly session to help participants improve their food choices, increase physical activity and learn coping skills to maintain weight loss and healthy lifestyle changes.

The initial study, which began in 1997, showed the risk of developing type 2 diabetes was reduced by 58% in adults at high risk for the disease (71% for people over 60 years old). A 10-year follow-up study showed that participants were still one-third less likely to develop type 2 diabetes a decade later than individuals who took a placebo. Those who developed type 2 diabetes delayed the onset of the disease by about four years.

Suffolk County has been a partner in the diabetes program since 2013 and first achieved full recognition for its diabetes prevention program in October of 2016. The standards to achieve full recognition are strict, requiring extensive documentation and demonstration of an average weight loss of 5% across all evaluated participants in the year-long cohort, a 0.2% reduction in HB1c, or a weigh loss of 4% and at least 150 minutes per week of physical activity for 12 months.

To achieve “full plus” recognition, the program must retain certain percentages of a cohort over periods of time. For example, a minimum of 50% of a cohort must be retained at the beginning of the fourth month. Suffolk County’s designation is noted on the national registry website.

“It is not easy to change behavior, but we are making inroads, and we hope to ultimately see improvement in health outcomes as we train more lifestyle coaches in our communities,” said Dr. Gregson Pigott, Commissioner of Health Services. “To accomplish full plus recognition from the CDC is testimony to our dedicated staff who have brought this program to life in Suffolk County.”

To date, 438 Suffolk County residents have participated in the county’s Diabetes Prevention Program.

The Suffolk County Diabetes Prevention Program will be offering a new year-long program at the Suffolk County Department of Health, Office of Health Education in Hauppauge, starting on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM.  Details are posted on the county website. To register, contact Debora Rippel at 631-853-2928 or debora.rippel@suffolkcountyny.gov.

Voters line up in front of Brookhaven Town Hall in Farmingville on Nov. 3. Photo by Heidi Sutton

By Heidi Sutton

Many Long Islanders did not wait for Election Day to cast their vote this year but instead took advantage of the numerous early polling stations from Oct. 25 to Nov. 3.

At the Rose Caracappa Senior Center in Mount Sinai on Friday, Nov. 1, long lines wrapped around the building and the parking lot quickly filled to capacity, causing many to park along a stretch of Route 25A and walk  along the road.

At Brookhaven Town Hall, the busiest polling spot in the Town of Brookhaven, 19,000 votes were cast on Saturday, Nov. 2 and voters stood in line for over an hour and a half on Sunday, Nov. 3, the last day for early voting.

Those who haven’t voted yet will have one more chance on Tuesday, Nov. 5, Election Day. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.