Arts & Entertainment

Fiber-rich foods, including whole grains, seeds and legumes, as well as some beverages, such as coffee and wine, contain measurable amounts of lignans. Stock photo
Ozempic/Mounjaro don’t substitute for lifestyle changes

By David Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

Type 2 diabetes management knowledge is always evolving. Here, we will examine how some diabetes management myths hold up against recent research.

Myth: Fruit can raise your sugars

Diabetes patients are often advised to limit whole, juiced, and dried fruit, because it can raise your sugars. This is only partly true. 

Yes, you should avoid fruit juice and dried fruit, because they do raise or spike glucose (sugar) levels. This includes dates, raisins, and apple juice, which are often added to “no sugar” packaged foods to sweeten them.

This is not true for whole fruit, which can be fresh or frozen. Studies have shown that patients with diabetes don’t experience sugar level spikes from whole fruit, even when they consume them in abundance (1). Another study showed that consuming whole fruit reduces type 2 diabetes risk (2).

In a third study, researchers considered the impacts of different types of whole fruits on glucose levels. They found that berries reduced glucose levels the most, but even bananas and grapes reduced these levels (3). The only fruit tested that seemed to have a mildly negative impact on sugars was cantaloupe.

Whole fruit is not synonymous with sugar. One reason for the beneficial effect is the fruits’ flavonoids, or plant micronutrients, but another is their fiber.

Myth: You should avoid all carbohydrates

Fiber is one type of carbohydrate that has important benefits. It can reduce risks for an array of diseases and improve outcomes. This holds true for type 2 diabetes risk. 

Two very large prospective observational studies, the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and NHS II, showed that plant fiber helped reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes (4). Researchers looked at lignans, a type of plant fiber, specifically examining the metabolites enterodiol and enterolactone. They found that patients with type 2 diabetes have substantially lower levels of these metabolites in their urine when compared to the control group without diabetes. There was a direct relationship between the level of metabolites and the reduction in diabetes risk: the more they consumed and the more metabolites in their urine, the lower the risk. The authors encourage patients to eat a plant-based diet to get this benefit.

Foods with lignans include cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower; an assortment of fruits and whole grains; flaxseed; and sesame seeds (5). The researchers could not determine which plants contributed the greatest benefit; however, they believe antioxidant activity drives this effect.

Myth: You should avoid soy

In diabetes patients with nephropathy (kidney damage or disease), consuming soy has been associated with kidney function improvements (6). There were significant reductions in urinary creatinine levels and proteinuria (protein in the urine), both signs that the kidneys are functioning better.

This was a four-year, small, randomized control trial with 41 participants. The control group’s diet included 70 percent animal protein and 30 percent vegetable protein, while the treatment group’s diet consisted of 35 percent animal protein, 35 percent textured soy protein and 30 percent vegetable protein.

This is important, since diabetes patients are 20 to 40 times more likely to develop nephropathy than those without diabetes (7). It appears that soy protein may put substantially less stress on the kidneys than animal protein. However, those who have hypothyroidism and low iodine levels should be cautious about soy consumption; some studies suggest it might interfere with synthetic thyroid medications’ effectiveness (8).

Myth: Ozempic/Mounjaro helps with weight loss

One of the latest entrants in diabetes sugar-control/weight loss pursuit is GLP-1 receptor agonists, including tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) and semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy). They have a primary focus on glucose control and a secondary effect of weight loss. It sounds like a dream, right? Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. It’s important to recognize that the phase III clinical trial of these drugs’ weight loss capabilities actually excluded patients with diabetes (9). While the trials did measure lean body mass at different points and doses, they did not report muscle loss.

In clinical use since their approval, further studies have found patients can lose significant muscle mass during treatment. Quoted numbers range between 10 and 25 percent muscle loss (10, 11). In my practice, I have seen an average of 50 percent muscle loss. Because of this tendency, those taking tirzepatide and semaglutide need to make lifestyle changes to offset this, including weight training and diet.

We still have a lot to learn with diabetes, but our understanding of how to manage lifestyle modifications is becoming clearer. Emphasizing a plant-based diet focused on whole fruits, vegetables, beans and legumes can improve your outcomes. 

If you choose a medical approach, you still need to make significant lifestyle changes to overcome its risks.

References: 

(1) Nutr J. 2013 Mar. 5;12:29. (2) Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Apr.;95:925-933. (3) BMJ online 2013 Aug. 29. (4) Diabetes Care. online 2014 Feb. 18. (5) Br J Nutr. 2005;93:393–402. (6) Diabetes Care. 2008;31:648-654. (7) N Engl J Med. 1993;328:1676–1685. (8) Thyroid. 2006 Mar;16(3):249-58. (9) N Engl J Med 2022;387:205-216. (10) AACE Clin Case Reports. 2025 Mar-Apr.;11(2):98-101. (11) Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. 2025 May. 27(5): 2720-2729.

Dr. David Dunaief is a speaker, author and local lifestyle medicine physician focusing on the integration of medicine, nutrition, fitness and stress management.

Ellen Pikitch as a delegate for Monaco at the United Nations in April.

By Daniel Dunaief

To borrow from the show Hamilton, Ellen Pikitch was in the room where it happens.

The Endowed Professor of Ocean Conservation Science at Stony Brook University, Pikitch traveled to the United Nations on the east side of Manhattan last month to serve as a delegate for Monaco during the Preparatory Commission for the High Seas Treaty, which is also known as Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction.

The meeting, the first of several gatherings scheduled after the passage of the historic High Seas Treaty that is designed to protect 30 percent of the oceans by 2030, started to create a framework of rules and procedures.

Pikitch, who has advanced, developed and implemented Marine Protected Areas globally, was pleased with the early progress.

“I came away feeling optimistic that we are going to have a functional High Seas Treaty within a couple of years,” said Pikitch. “These details are being hashed out before the treaty comes into force.”

Indeed, 60 nations need to ratify the treaty for it to come into force.

At this point, 20 of the 194 countries that are member state of the United Nations have ratified the treaty. Each country has its own procedures for providing national support for an effort designed to protect biodiversity and natural resources.

Numerous representatives and members of environmental organizations are encouraging leaders of countries to ratify the treaty before the United Nations Oceans conference in Nice from June 9th to June 13th.

Award winning actress and activist Jane Fonda gave a speech at the meeting, urging countries to take the next steps.

“This isn’t just about protecting the oceans. It’s about protecting ourselves,” said Fonda. “Please, please, when you go back to your capitals in the next few days, remind your ministers of what we’re working toward. Remind them that we have a chance this year to change the future.”

Getting 60 ratifications this year is going to be “another monumental achievement,” Fonda continued. “We know it isn’t easy, but we also know that without the level of urgency… the target of protecting 30 percent of the world’s oceans will slip out of our grasp.”

Pikitch expects that the first 60 countries will be the hardest and that, once those agree, others will likely want to join to make sure they are part of the decision making. The treaty will form a framework or benefit sharing from biodiversity discovered as well as the resource use and extraction at these high seas sites.

“New discoveries from the high seas are too important for countries to ignore,” Pikitch said.

The members who ratify the treaty will work on a framework for designating protected areas on the high seas.

Pikitch shared Fonda’s sense of urgency in advancing the treaty and protecting the oceans.

“There is no time to waste,” Pikitch said. In the Stony Brook Professor’s opinion, the hardest part of the work has already occurred, with the long-awaited signing of the treaty. Still, she said it “can’t take another 20 years for the High Seas Treaty to come into effect.”

Monaco connection

Pikitch has had a connection with the small nation of Monaco, which borders on the southeastern coast of France and borders on the Mediterranean Sea, for over a decade.

Isabelle Picco, the Permanent Representative to the United Nations for Monaco, asked Pikitch to serve as one of the two delegates at the preparatory commission last month.

Pikitch is “thrilled” to be working with Monaco and hopes to contribute in a meaningful way to the discussion and planning for the nuts and bolts of the treaty.

Other meetings are scheduled for August and for early next year.

Most provisions at the United Nations require unanimous agreement, which, in part, is why the treaty itself took over 20 years. Any country could have held up the process of agreeing to the treaty.

To approve of a marine protected area, the group would only need a 2/3 vote, not a complete consensus. That, Pikitch hopes, would make it more likely to create a greater number of these protected places.

Scientific committee

The meeting involved discussions over how the treaty would work. Once the treaty has come into force, a scientific committee will advise the secretariat. The group addressed numerous issues related to this committee, such as the number of its members, a general framework for how members would be selected, the composition of the committee in terms of geographic representation, how often the committee would meet and whether the committee could set up working groups for topics that might arise.

Representatives of many countries expressed support for the notion that the scientific committee would make decisions based on their expertise, rather than as representatives of their government. This approach could make science the driving force behind the recommendations, rather than politics, enabling participants to use their judgement rather than echo a political party line for the party in power from their country.

Several participants also endorsed the idea that at least one indigenous scientist should be on this committee.

Pikitch, who has also served at the UN as a representative for the country of Palau, was pleased that the meeting had considerable agreement.

“There was a spirit of cooperation and a willingness to move forward with something important,” she said. By participating in a timely and meaningful way in this process, [the countries involved] are behaving as though they are convinced a high seas treaty will come into force” before too long.

Ultimately, Pikitch expects that the agreement will be a living, breathing treaty, which will give it the flexibility to respond to fluid situations.

As Fonda suggested, the treaty is about “recognizing that the fate of humanity is inextricably linked to the health of the natural world.” She thanked the group for “giving me hope.”

The Suffolk County Police Department Impound Section has announced that it will hold an auction on Saturday, June 7 at the department’s impound facility, located at 100 Old Country Road in Westhampton. The auction will begin at 9 a.m. and will be held rain or shine. 

Vehicles will be available for preview for one hour prior to the start of the auction. Approximately 85 lots will be auctioned off including sedans and SUVs. All vehicles will start with a minimum bid of $500 and are sold as-is. 

For a full list of vehicles, registration information and terms and conditions for the auction click here or visit www.suffolkpd.org and choose Impound Section and Vehicle Auctions.

A scene from the Enchanted Garden Prom at The People's Arc on June 6. Photo courtesy People's Arc

People’s Arc of Suffolk hosted a joyful and heartwarming prom on June 6, marking the end of the school year for more than 30 students with intellectual and developmental disabilities at People’s Arc of Suffolk’s Educare Center in Bohemia.

Students in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades dressed up in formal and semi-formal attire for the “Enchanted Garden” themed event here today to sing and dance, both on foot and in their decorated wheelchairs, and posed for pictures with their families and teachers. A local DJ donated his time to provide the music and the room was decorated by teachers and volunteers.

“Our children deserve to have every experience that their counterparts in district have. A prom is a part of that. It’s a special social event, a time to get out and play and have fun with their peers,” said Andrea Nickdow, VP, Children’s Services, People’s Arc of Suffolk. “They’ve been talking about who’s going to wear what and making sure they are matching with their friends. They might not even use words to communicate it, but you can tell they’re excited.”

The People’s Arc of Suffolk Educare Center offers education and therapeutic services to students aged 5-21 with developmental disabilities. Through an innovative blend of academics, therapies, and community integration, the school empowers students to reach their highest potential in a supportive and nurturing environment.

“This event is a shining example of how The People’s Arc of Suffolk creates inclusive, empowering experiences for those they support every day,” said Dana Schillinger, Director of Curriculum and Instruction at the People’s Arc of Suffolk Educare Center.

About People’s Arc of Suffolk

People’s Arc of Suffolk is dedicated to creating communities where people of all ages and abilities can enjoy life to its fullest. The organization provides a wide array of services, including employment opportunities, education programs, and community engagement, all aimed at fostering an equitable and integrated community for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Follow People’s Arc of Suffolk on FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube and LinkedIn.

Willow + Harlow ribbon cutting. Photo by Rob Verbeck

The Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce (PJCC) hosted a ribbon cutting for Willow + Harlow Candle Company and Studio on May 23. Located at 208 East Main Street, the shop specializes in all-natural, non-toxic soy candles. 

Owner Christine Santos provides immersive experiences in candle making classes as well as other workshops that range from baking, stamping and painting. 

Pictured from left, Brett Sceravino (PJCC Director), Ron Schlumpf (PJCC Director), John Huber (PJCC Director), Nancy Bradley (PJCC Director), owner Christine Santos, her parents and her son, Port Jefferson Mayor Lauren Sheprow, Port Jefferson Trustee Xena Ugrinsky, and Julie Vitrano (PJCC Member).

For more information, call 631-260-5473 or visit www.willowharlow.com.

Fresh Berry Cream Tart

By Heidi Sutton

Summer is right around the corner and that means strawberry season on Long Island. With a variety of gorgeous fresh fruits at your fingertips, why not whip up a fabulous sweet dessert to surprise family or share with friends?

Chocolate and Strawberry Greek Yogurt Bark – SEE VIDEO HERE

Recipe courtesy of Milk Means More

Chocolate and Strawberry Greek Yogurt Bark

YIELD: Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:  

3 cups plain non-fat Greek yogurt

1/3 cup honey plus additional for drizzling, divided (optional)

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 cup melted dark chocolate

1/2 cup strawberries

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS:

In medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, honey and vanilla. On parchment-lined baking sheet, spread Greek yogurt mixture to 1/4-inch thickness. Drop spoonfuls of melted chocolate onto yogurt and use toothpick to drag in circles. Press strawberries and chocolate chips into yogurt. 

Freeze at least 3 hours. Remove from freezer and break into pieces.

Strawberry Chiffon Pie

Recipe courtesy of Culinary.net

Strawberry Chiffon Pie

 

YIELD: Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:  

2 cups coarsely chopped strawberries

3/4 cup honey, divided

1 envelope unflavored gelatin

1/4 cup cold water

1 cup light sour cream

9-inch crumb crust

DIRECTIONS:

In small bowl, mash strawberries and 1/4 cup honey; set aside. In small saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over cold water; let stand five minutes. Stir in remaining 1/2 cup honey. Warm over low heat until gelatin dissolves. 

Transfer to large bowl; stir in sour cream. Cover and refrigerate 20 to 30 minutes or until mixture mounds on a spoon when tested.

Using an electric mixer, beat mixture at medium speed until light. Fold in strawberries; mix until well combined. Pour into prepared crust. Cover and refrigerate at least two hours before serving.

Fresh Berry Cream Tart

Recipe courtesy of Family Features

Fresh Berry Cream Tart

YIELD: Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:  

1 box refrigerated pie crust

1 8-ounce package cream cheese softened

1/3 cup sugar

1 tablespoon orange juice

4 cups assorted fresh whole berries: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and/or blackberries

1/3 cup red currant jelly melted

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oven to 450°F. Prepare pie crust as directed on package for one-crust baked shell using 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely.

In small bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar and liqueur; beat until smooth and well blended. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly in cooled baked shell. Top with berries; brush berries with melted jelly to glaze. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. 

From left, Ben Yang, Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio in a scene from 'Karate Kid: Legends.' Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures

Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel

The Karate Kid was the sleeper hit of 1984, grossing $100 million in the United States and Canada. The film received mostly good reviews, was deemed a “feel-good” movie and made the film’s star, twenty-two-year-old Ralph Macchio, into an international teen idol. 

A scene from ‘Karate Kid: Legends’. Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures

The Karate Kid  spawned multiple sequels: The Karate Kid Part II (1986), The Karate Kid Part III (1989), The New Karate Kid (1994), and The Karate Kid (2010), a remake of the original. An animated series, action figures, video games, comic books, a board game, and even an unproduced Broadway musical (in the works in 2020) are just part of the Karate Kid’s descendants. The most interesting addition is Cobra Kai (2018-2025), a streaming series of sixty-five episodes that included original stars Macchio and William Zabka. The exceptional show picked up thirty-four years after the first film. Cobra Kai was a worthy successor and addition to the franchise legacy.

Unfortunately, Karate Kid: Legends, the sixth big-screen entry, is, at best, on the level of direct-to-video. The basic, well-worn plot concerns Li Fong (Ben Wang) moving from Beijing to the United States when his mother (Ming-Na Wen), a doctor, lands a position in a New York City hospital. Dr. Fong does not approve of martial arts due to the death of her older son, who was stabbed to death by thugs led by his defeated rival. Li has studied kung fu with Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) and now must abandon his training in the wuguan (dojo).

On his first day in the City, Li “meets cute” Mia Lipani (Sadie Stanley), daughter of Victory Pizza owner Victor (Joshua Jackson), who is in debt to loan sharks. Quickly, Li runs afoul of Conor Day (Aramis Knight), a karate champion who also happens to be Sadie’s ex. What follows is a simplistic yet somehow convoluted plot whereby Mr. Han arrives to prepare Li for a major tournament with a $50,000 prize. Mr. Han also recruits California-based Daniel LaRusso (Macchio) to co-train Li in a blend of kung fu and karate. The connection between kung fu and karate is part of a refrain of “two branches/one tree” from the prologue—a clip with Macchio and his teacher, Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), snagged from The Karate Kid II. 

Director Jonathan Entwistle does little with Rob Lieber’s by-the-numbers screenplay. Events are presented, but with little conflict, as the film meanders toward its predictable conclusion. The film relies on sitcom jokes and obvious montages, saccharine encounters, and often trite, strained dialogue. Peripheral elements of Chinese culture are given short shrift. Themes of guilt and responsibility barely register and then are quickly dismissed. 

The most delightful moment is the brief tag in the final minutes—a tease of what the entire outing could have been. Legacy only manages to achieve a level of “fine” because of the assembled actors. The cast is pleasant, and the performances are uniformly more than acceptable. Wang channels a Michael J. Fox vibe, making him charismatic and easy to root for. His chemistry with the likable Stanley is believable. Jackson plays her father like a low-rent George Clooney, but not without a certain appeal. 

Wen tries to find dimension in the grieving mother but is given few colors to play with and saddled with pedestrian lines: “You practice violence; you get violence in return.” The screenplay gives Knight’s sadistic bad boy zero background and no definition, flattening any possible wrinkle to the story: He is a stock psychopath, set up to be knocked over like a villainous bowling pin. Wyatt Oleff’s geeky tutor, Alan, seems like an afterthought.

Macchio, as always, owns Daniel and tries to bring both depth and lightness to the flabby proceedings. Chan is absolutely charming as the kung fu school’s shifu (master), and he and Macchio have an easy give-and-take that is the film’s highlight. Chan’s comic timing and smooth delivery enhance the underwhelming film.

It would be unfair to say the franchise is tired. Cobra Kai reinvented The Karate Kid surprisingly and engagingly, elevating and even surpassing the original films in many ways. Sadly, the Legends experience is cotton candy—but not in the festive carnival of memory and nostalgia. Instead, Karate Kid: Legends is muted and overly sweet, lacking substance and, ultimately, unmemorable.

Rated PG-13, the film is now playing in local theaters.

METRO photo

By Lisa Scott

The New York State Board of Elections (BOE) is committed to fulfilling its responsibility to the citizens of New York State by providing fair, accurate, and accessible elections. This responsibility, and the credit associated with it, must be shared with the many dedicated poll workers who help make elections successful.

The Suffolk County BOE hires Election Inspectors for Primary Elections, General Elections and Special Elections. Each inspector must be a registered voter in Suffolk County. You will be assigned to a polling site within your Township and are  paid for training and each day you work. If you are 17 years old, you may be eligible if your school district participates in a program under Education Law Section 3207-a.

In 2025, Primary Election Day is Tuesday June 24, with early voting June 14 to 22. Only voters registered in a political party before Feb. 14 of that calendar year may vote in their party’s primary election. Tuesday Nov. 4 is the General Election, with early voting Oct. 25 to Nov. 2, in which voters may vote for any candidate of their choice regardless of political affiliation. Special Elections could be held any time of the year, and are held if an elected position unexpectedly becomes vacant; the jurisdiction may set an election to fill the position. 

Polling places are open long hours (6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Election Days, and 8 hour variable times during early voting days). Inspectors are expected to arrive early to prepare the polling place under the direction of the polling place Coordinators. Inspectors always work in bipartisan pairs- thus providing a backup and witness to all polling place work. Inspectors must stay until the entire polling site has been shut down and every inspector is ready to leave for the evening.

Inspectors may work a variety of jobs at the polling place. They may be greeters and line managers, they staff the poll pads to check the voters (the voters identify themselves, sign in on the poll pads, and receive a printed receipt), they staff the ballot station (voters are asked for their receipt and highlight it, receive their ballot, and offered a privacy sleeve) and they monitor the tabulators (monitor and verify receipts, and assist as needed). 

Voting inspectors report any issues or problems to their Coordinators, who are responsible for handling these. Problems might include voter not being found on the poll pad, spoiled ballots, absentee and early mail ballot issues, affidavit ballot issues, court ordered ballots and ICE BMD machine/accessible voting. 

Upon their arrival, poll watchers, who are volunteers appointed by political parties or candidates to observe the election day procedures (and are not Board of Elections employees) are directed to the Coordinators. Poll watchers may be present for observation at the polls from 15 minutes before the unlocking and examination of any voting device or ballot box at the opening of the polls until after the close of the polls; may challenge persons who they believe are not qualified to vote, and observe the canvass of the vote after closing. 

Electioneering (the process of convincing voters to vote for or against a particular candidate, party or issue) is prohibited by NYS law – it is illegal within 100 feet from the entrance to the polling place that the public will access. Voters may not carry signs or wear clothing which explicitly conveys their support of named candidates on election day, and the Board of Elections has a zero tolerance policy for electioneering by Inspectors.

The right to vote is one of our nation’s oldest and most important entitlements, and with this right comes responsibility. Free and open elections are the basis on which this country was formed and you can make a difference by becoming a poll worker to help protect those freedoms. Election Inspectors are an essential participant in the process that enables our citizens to exercise their constitutional right to vote. If you serve as a poll worker your interactions with the voters are what they will remember and are what will influence their confidence in the integrity and fairness of our elections. 

If you live in Suffolk County and are interested in becoming an inspector in 2025, call 631-852-4533, 631-852-4536, email [email protected], or text APPLY to 631-400-5991.

Additional links:

elections.ny.gov/become-poll-worker

Helpamericavote.gov

www.eac.gov/help-america-vote

Lisa Scott is president of the League of Women Voters of Suffolk County a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. For more information, visit https//my.lwv.org/new-york/suffolk-county.

Pixabay photo

By Michael Christodoulou

Michael Christodoulou
Michael Christodoulou

It’s important to save for retirement, but only half of Americans have calculated how much money they’ll need, according to the 2024 Retirement Confidence Survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute. Yet without knowing how much you’ll need, it’s hard to know if you’re on track to reach your goals for retirement. Here are a few considerations to help shape your retirement savings strategy. 

Calculate how much you’ll need. You may dream of retiring “comfortably,” but how do you define “comfortable” in terms of actual money? Take the time to outline how much you spend now, and how much you think you’ll spend in retirement. That will help you understand how much you need to save now to afford the retirement lifestyle you want later. A financial advisor can help with building and managing your retirement strategy. 

Start saving now. It’s easy to procrastinate, especially if you are younger and further away from retirement. But the earlier you start, the less you may need to save from each paycheck to build your funds over time. If you’re closer to retirement, you can take advantage of catch-up contributions to most 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457 plans and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan. 

If you’re 50 or older, you can save pretax an extra $7,500 to your retirement account beyond the standard total limit of $23,500 allowed in 2025. Those 60–63 years old can contribute to these plans an extra $11,250 above the standard total limit. That’s an annual total of $31,000 for people ages 50 and older; or $34,750 for those 60–63 years old in pretax retirement plan contributions. 

Take the right amount of risk. You may think it’s risky to put money away for retirement instead of keeping it handy for discretionary spending. But the biggest risk of all is not reaching your retirement goal. For example, a portfolio that’s all in cash will have little increasing value over time and won’t provide any growth potential even to keep up with inflation. It’s as if you’re losing money every year. Then again, if your investments are only keeping up with inflation, your money is not growing. Consider growth investments to help build the funds you’ll need in retirement. The key is ensuring you have the appropriate amount of risk — not too much, but not too little — to achieve your growth goals. 

Save separately for emergencies. To protect your hard-earned retirement savings, build an emergency fund separate from your long-term investments. It can help ensure you have what you need to cover surprises like a large auto repair, unexpected medical bills, temporary loss of income from changing jobs or early retirement caused by health issues. 

For most people, three to six months’ worth of total expenses is an appropriate amount for an emergency fund. And you’ll want to keep it in an accessible, low-risk account that holds cash and equivalents. Above all, try to avoid taking money from your long-term retirement investments. Doing so could result in taxes, penalties and reductions to your overall principal investment, all of which could affect your retirement savings. 

What will your distribution strategy be? Having a clear strategy for withdrawing funds from your retirement account to supplement your retirement income is essential. Simply requesting distributions from your financial institution without a structured plan and understanding the following strategies can jeopardize the longevity of your retirement savings. In fact, the risk of outliving one’s assets remains the top concern for retirees. To mitigate this risk, consider doing some research to calculate your reliance rate and understanding the planning strategy named, sequence of return risk. 

These retirement income techniques are utilized by financial advisors who specialize in retirement income planning. Please consult a financial professional who specialized in retirement planning.

Retirement should be an exciting time to enjoy what you’ve worked so hard to earn. Planning for what you’ll need and protecting those savings can help ensure a comfortable future and provide the peace of mind of not outliving your assets. 

Michael Christodoulou, ChFC®, AAMS®, CRPC®, CRPS® is a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones in Stony Brook, Member SIPC.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Sand and Soil farm stand at Port Jefferson farmers market. Photo by Lynn Hallarman

By Heidi Sutton

The warm weather months are a peak time for outdoor activities, including visiting your local farmers market. A vibrant selection of fresh produce and artisanal goods, a farmer’s market is a delightful way to support local farmers and businesses and to connect with your community. Chances are you can find one nearby on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays through the fall.

Centereach

The farmstand at Bethel Hobbs Community Farm, 178 Oxhead Road, Centereach will be open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through mid-October. 631-774-1556, www.hobbsfarm.info

Farmingville

— A farmers market will be held every Thursday through Oct. 30 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the south parking lot of Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville. Fresh produce, spirits, flowers, baked goods, homemade bath and body products. 631-451-8696

— A Farmers, Artisans, and Friends Marketplace will be held at Triangle Park, corner of Horseblock Rd. and Woodycrest Dr., Farmingville on June 28 and Sept. 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local produce, handmade items, antiques, flea market treasures. 631-260-7411

Hauppauge

New! The Suffolk County Farmers Market at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge will be open to the public every Thursday at the facility’s north parking lot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Oct. 2. Baked goods, mushrooms, skin care, organic produce, tea and bath and body products. 631-853-2047

Huntington

A farmers market will be held in the Elm Street parking lot at 228 Main St., Huntington on Sundays through Nov. 23 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fresh produce, baked goods, cheese, pickles, honey, special events, guest vendors. 631-402-3867

Lake Grove

Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove hosts a farmers market in the southwestern quadrant of the parking lot (adjacent to Bahama Breeze) on Saturdays (pickles, honey) and full market with vendors on Sundays. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days year-round. 516-444-1280

Northport

Cow Harbor Park parking lot, at the corner of Main Street and Woodbine Ave. in Northport, hosts a farmers market every Saturday through Nov. 22 (except Sept. 20) from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Honey, ravioli, cheese, coffee, pickles, empanadas, mushrooms, baked goods, jams, fruits and vegetables, plants.  631-662-7244

Port Jefferson

The Port Jefferson Farmers Market will be held at Harborfront Park, 101-A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson every Sunday through Nov. 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Local produce honey, bread and baked goods, seafood, international specialties, plants, flower bouquets and more. 631-802-2160

St. James

— St. James Lutheran Church, 230 2nd Ave., St. James hosts a farmers market in its parking lot every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Sept. 27. Fresh locally grown produce, flowers, honey, coffee, shellfish, artisan baked goods, breads jams, hot food, pickles, craft beer, international foods, live music, kids corner. 631-403-7711

— Birdsfoot Farmstand at Avalon Nature Preserve, 17 Shep Jones Lane, St. James is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays for the season. 631-689-0619

Setauket 

The Three Village  Farmers & Artisans Market is held Fridays on the grounds of the Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket through  September (except Sept. 19) from 3 to 7 p.m. and October 1 to 24 from 3 to 6 p.m. Locally grown farm fresh produce, artisanal bread & cheese, freshly brewed coffee & tea, local honey, nuts & spices, jams & jellies, baked treats, and more. 631-751-3730