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Deer ticks aka blacklegged ticks typically carry Lyme disease.METRO photo
The effects of Lyme disease can be debilitating

By David Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

Warm weather is imminent and, if you’re like me, you’re looking forward to enjoying more time outside this summer.  

Summer’s arrival also means that tick season is in full swing, although “season” is becoming a misnomer when we refer to ticks. A June 16th New York Times article shared some of the challenges of changing tick behavior and the expansion of tick types and overlapping tick-borne diseases we’re now seeing in the Northeast (1).

The most common of these is Lyme disease, which is typically carried by deer ticks, also known as blacklegged ticks. Deer ticks can be as small as the period at the end of this sentence. The CDC site is a great resource for tick images and typical regions (2).

If a tick bites you, you should remove it with forceps, tweezers or protected fingers (paper) as close to the skin as possible and pull slow and steady straight up. Do not crush or squeeze the tick; doing so may spread infectious disease (3). In a study, petroleum jelly, fingernail polish, a hot kitchen match and 70 percent isopropyl alcohol all failed to properly remove a tick. The National Institutes of Health recommends not removing a tick with oil (4).

When you remove a tick within 36 to 48 hours, your risk of infection is low. However, you can take a prophylactic dose of the antibiotic doxycycline within 72 hours of tick removal if you are not experiencing a bulls-eye rash — a red outer ring and red spot in the center (5). This can significantly lower your risk of developing Lyme disease, although doxycycline does sometimes cause nausea.

Know Lyme symptoms

The three stages of Lyme disease are: early stage, where the bacteria are localized; early disseminated disease, where the bacteria have spread throughout the body; and late stage disseminated disease. Symptoms for early localized stage and early disseminated disease include the bulls-eye rash, which occurs in about 80 percent of patients, with or without systemic symptoms of fatigue, muscle pain and joint pain, headache, neck stiffness, swollen glands, and fever (6).

Early disseminated disease may cause neurological symptoms such as meningitis, cranial neuropathy (Bell’s palsy) and motor or sensory issues. Late disseminated disease can cause Lyme arthritis, heart problems, facial paralysis, impaired memory, numbness, pain and decreased concentration (4).

Lyme carditis is a rare complication affecting 1.1 percent of those with disseminated disease, but it can result in sudden cardiac death (7). If there are symptoms of chest pain, palpitations, light-headedness, shortness of breath or fainting, clinicians should suspect Lyme carditis.

Check for ticks 

The CDC suggests wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent with at least 20 percent DEET and treating your yard. Always check your skin and hair for ticks after spending time outside. Also, remember to check your pets; even if treated, they can carry ticks into the house.

Check for Lyme infection

Lyme disease often can be diagnosed within the clinical setting or with a blood test. However, testing immediately after being bitten by a tick is not useful. It takes about one to two weeks for IgM antibodies to appear and two to six weeks for IgG antibodies (6). These antibodies sometimes will remain elevated even after successful antibiotics treatment.

Remember that a single tick can transfer more than one disease, so you might need testing for other common tick-borne diseases, as well.

Monitor for post-Lyme effects

There is an ongoing debate about whether “chronic Lyme” disease exists. In one analysis of several prospective studies, researchers recognize that there are prolonged neurologic symptoms in a subset population that may be debilitating even after Lyme disease treatment (8). These authors also suggest that there may be post-Lyme disease syndromes with joint pain, muscle pain, neck and back pain, fatigue and cognitive impairment. They note, however, that extended durations of antibiotics do not prevent or alleviate post-Lyme syndromes.

The lingering effects of Lyme can debilitate you and might be a result of systemic inflammation (9). Systemic inflammation and its symptoms can be improved significantly with dietary and other lifestyle modifications.

Prevention is key to helping stem Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. Become diligent about performing tick checks any time you’ve been outside. If you do find a tick, contact your physician immediately about prophylactic treatment.

References: 

(1) “The Tick Situation is Getting Worse. Here’s How to Protect Yourself.” New York Times. 16 June 2025. online. (2) https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/about/where-ticks-live.html. (3) Pediatrics. 1985;75(6):997. (4) nlm.nih.gov. (5) Clin Infect Dis. 2008;47(2):188. (6) uptodate.com. (7) MMWR. 2014;63(43):982-983. (8) Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2011;9(7):787-797. (9) J Infect Dis. 2009;199(9:1379-1388).

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.

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Avocado Superfood Salad

By Heidi Sutton

Summer brings sunshine-filled days along with the season’s bounty of some of the most delicious produce. 

Now is the time to enjoy those in-season fruits and vegetables when they are at the peak of freshness in recipes like Grilled Sweetpotato and Blueberry Salad that offers all the tastes of the season with greens, fresh blueberries, walnuts and blue cheese.

Or try this Avocado Superfood Salad, which combines kale, spinach, walnuts, blueberries, sweet potato, tomatoes and creamy avocados into a tasty, colorful and healthy lunch or dinner.

Grilled Sweetpotato and Blueberry Salad: SEE VIDEO HERE

Recipe courtesy of Culinary.net

Grilled Sweetpotato and Blueberry Salad

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:  

3 medium sweetpotatoes peeled and sliced

2 tablespoons olive oil

salt to taste

pepper to taste

4 cups spring salad mix

1 cup fresh blueberries

1/3 cup chopped walnuts

1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles

lemon wedges for garnish (optional)

Lemon Honey Vinaigrette:

6 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup lemon juice

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 1/2 tablespoons honey

salt to taste

pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

To make lemon honey vinaigrette: In bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard and honey. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Preheat grill to medium heat. Drizzle sweetpotatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Grill sliced sweetpotatoes on each side about 5 minutes, or until sweetpotatoes are tender and slightly charred. Remove from grill and let cool.

To arrange salad, spread spring salad mix onto large platter and top with grilled sweetpotatoes, blueberries, walnuts and blue cheese crumbles.

Top with lemon honey vinaigrette and garnish with lemon wedges, if desired.

Avocado Superfood Salad

Recipe courtesy of Family Features

Avocado Superfood Salad

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

8 cups kale or baby spinach leaves

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt or to taste, divided

1 cup walnuts

1 cup blueberries

1 cup diced cooked sweet potato

1 cup halved grape tomatoes

2 large ripe, fresh California Avocados seeded, peeled and sliced horizontally

vinaigrette dressing for serving

DIRECTIONS:

Slice kale or spinach into fine shreds and place in mixing bowl. With clean hands, massage 1 tablespoon olive oil into shredded greens. Place on serving platter or individual plates and sprinkle with a little salt.

In medium skillet over medium heat, heat remaining oil. Add walnuts and stir to coat. Toast 2-5 minutes, stirring frequently, being careful not to burn walnuts. Remove from pan and let cool slightly. Arrange blueberries, sweet potatoes, grape tomatoes and avocado slices on top of kale and spinach, leaving space for walnuts. Add walnuts to salad and sprinkle with remaining salt. Serve with vinaigrette dressing.

 

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Moxy and Principessa

Adopt Moxy and Principessa!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Introducing this week’s shelter pets, Moxy and Principessa. This endearing brother/sister duo arrived at the Smithtown Animal Shelter after their Dad fell upon hard times and could no longer care for them. They loved their Dad so very much and are having a difficult time adjusting to shelter life. Their ability to love deeply is truly heartwarming, and our greatest wish is to find them a loving home where they can enjoy their golden years.

Moxy is a stunning nine-year-old domestic short-hair orange tabby.  He exudes warmth and affection. Moxy would love nothing more than a chance to bring joy to a lucky family’s heart and home. A little patience and kindness will be rewarded with endless loyalty and companionship. He would do well in a quiet home with other cats and possibly calm dogs, but not children.

Principessa is a gorgeous nine-year-old domestic short-hair torti female.  Her affectionate nature makes her the perfect companion, ready to share her love and warmth with a caring family. Expect a double dose of purring, lap naps, and snuggles while in the company of this sweet pair. Principessa would thrive in most home environments, including those with older kids, other cats, and possibly calm dogs.

These two lovely siblings bring double the love and companionship—if you’re looking to add warmth and joy to your home, consider opening your heart to Moxy and Principessa. They’re ready to shower their new family with endless love!

If you are interested in meeting  Moxy and Principessa please fill out an application to schedule time to properly interact with them in a domestic setting.

All of the felines at the Shelter are current on vaccines and have received a full workup (blood work, Feline HIV & Leukemia tested, physical exam etc) by a board certified Veterinarian.

The Town of Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter, 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown is open 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.

 

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METRO photo

By Daniel Dunaief

Daniel Dunaief

Amid efforts to revisit budgets and cut federal spending, numerous initiatives have cut, frozen or threatened to reduce contributions to science.

Such approaches, through the Big Beautiful Bill and the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, threaten the future of research.

“Science funding is critical, and paying the full costs of scientific research is important,” explained Kevin Gardner, Vice President for Research and Innovation at Stony Brook University. “We pay the full price for defense contractors and don’t expect them to lose money doing important work for the federal government. Universities are the same.”

Indeed, in the Big Beautiful Bill, cuts to Medicaid threaten health care, which could have implications for the care hospital patients receive as well and the health of local hospitals themselves.

“Cuts to Medicaid indeed are a tremendous threat both to our community and to those that rely on the medicaid program and to the hospitals and academic medical centers that treat patients,” Gardner added. “They threaten the viability of academic medical centers across the country, including Stony Brook.”

Cuts to Medicaid funding may also strain state budgets, which may affect state university funding as well.

Even as senators prepare to review the Big Beautiful Bill, which passed a contested House by a single vote and that has some Republicans expressing buyer’s remorse, Gardner worried about federal research support.

“I remain very concerned about research funding,” Gardner wrote in an email. “I sometimes hear hopeful things, but overall I am not confident at all that the robust research funding that has driven prosperity across the US will continue.”

Gardner and co-author Michael Kinch, Chief Innovation Officer at Stony Brook, wrote an opinion piece in STAT News.

Half of all the drugs approved in the United States from 2020 to 2024 had key patents from academic universities. Most of that work was funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), according to their opinion piece.

And yet, the administration has shared a proposed budget for 2026 that cuts National Institutes of Health funding by 43 percent compared with 2025 levels, according to STAT  News.

While spending less might appear beneficial in the short term, it threatens innovation, people’s health and future economic gains that might have otherwise come from research.

In dollars and cents, the return on investment from every dollar of NIH spending on research leads to $2.46 in economic activity overall, according to Bruce Stillman, President and CEO of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL).

Cutting back not only has economic consequences but could affect training opportunities for future researchers.

Investments in basic scientific research, such as the kind done at CSHL “fuels innovation, boosts the economy, and paves the way to key medical advances,” Stillman wrote in the president’s essay.

The messages, policies and words from the Trump administration and some of the members of his cabinet have suggested that they are prepared to cut science funding by as much as 50 percent, according to the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Political leaders from both sides of the aisle generally understand the value and importance of science, said Gardner.

These leaders, regardless of their party, need to stand up for the health and well-being of their constituents and the strength of the economy today and in the future by supporting science.

In the meantime, leaders in other countries have sensed a huge opening and are offering the best and brightest current and future scientists impressive and attractive packages to work in other institutions. These packages have worked for some scientists, who have decided to pursue their research interests on foreign soil, the way so many scientists from earlier decades used to do in the United States.

Our American politicians must stand for more than whatever their parties or their party leaders want or demand, particularly now. Yes, the country needs to make hard choices. Voting for science funding, supporting grants that have already passed through a rigorous screening process, and encouraging the kinds of questions that lead to a better future, should not be one of them.

That includes basic research, which is different from translational research.

“I visited a lab yesterday and was shown a new type of microscope that allowed a new way to observe living cells divide,” Gardner explained. “We don’t know what the new discoveries will be from that work, but we can imagine all the ways cell division contributes to health and disease.”

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Yuka Mobile App. Photo from Yuka Facebook

By Leah S. Dunaief

Leah Dunaief,
Publisher

In a world of apps, I have recently added two to my cellphone. One has to do with what we eat. The other tells me what birdsong I am hearing. Both are useful and please me, so I will share them with you if you haven’t already discovered them.

The first is Yuka.

“The app prompts users to scan the bar codes of foods and personal care items—in grocery stores and at home—and then offers a score out of 100 to indicate how ‘healthy’ it is for you or the environment,” according to The New York Times, where I learned of this clever app. 

When you touch the icon, a scanner opens. Then all you have to do is position the bar code of the product in the box provided on the screen, and you are immediately rewarded with both a specific number and a verdict.

It’s an irresistible toy. I went running around the house, first to the pantry in the kitchen, then the bathroom and the bedroom, pointing at items I use. 

I was often shocked. The first bottle I evaluated was a peanut salad dressing I use frequently. It came out with a score of 24/100 and the word “bad.” Who knew? The app further broke down the rating by listing negatives: additives (1 limited risk), sugar (10 grams too sweet), sodium (220mg too much), and calories (120 a bit too caloric). It then went on to list the positives: protein (2g some protein), fiber (0.9g some fiber), and saturated fat (1g low impact).

Sadly, since I like the flavor so much, the app could not offer a better alternative for this dressing under “recommendations.” 

On the other hand, a green lentil pasta I enjoy is rated 100/100 excellent. No additives, no synthetic herbicides and therefore organic, excellent amount of protein (21g), excellent amount of fiber (9g), no saturated fat, low sugar (1g), and no sodium. The only negative was its caloric count: a bit too caloric (310 calories). That was all welcome news.

Now I am going to have to stop putting the peanut dressing on the pasta and find some other topping, perhaps Silver Palate Marinara sauce with low salt, which was rated excellent at 75/100.

It was fun checking out my foods on a rainy Saturday afternoon.

Originally introduced in France in 2017, this app came to the United States in 2022 and has more than 40 million followers now. Yuka uses an algorithm to score the products based on 3 parts: nutritional quality (60 percent), additives and their risk (30 percent) and organic (10 percent). As you might guess, high protein and high fiber are “good,” high sugar, sodium, saturated fats and calories are “bad.” 

This app is just one offering toward the goal of eating healthy, but it can help.

Merlin Bird ID mobile app

The second app is one for the birds. Literally. It’s called Merlin Bird ID and it will tell you what birds are singing nearby. The way it works, I guess, is that it records the bird sounds, then matches them up with its data base of birdsong. At the moment when I am writing this, the Merlin Bird has identified the American Robin in my backyard. It has also shown me a picture. 

Again, it’s great fun knowing who else is in the neighborhood. Oops, the Robin has just been joined by a Gray Catbird, a Song Sparrow, a Northern Cardinal and a Yellow Warbler. I wonder if they are talking to each other or just thinking out loud.

The other day, when I thought I was surrounded by half a dozen birds, my app told me it was just a Mockingbird holding court.

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File photo by Kyle Barr

Driving to work in the morning, we may brace ourselves for the pothole that, day-after-day, violently shakes our car as we drive over it. However, one day to our delight, we notice it is filled with smooth asphalt. Then, we may decide to stop for coffee at a recently opened shop before heading to work. We take a detour to avoid traffic near a new housing development.

From the pothole, to the new coffee shop, to the traffic, the rhythms of our days are shaped by our elected officials and the decisions they make on behalf of the community.

As the conduit for local news, we hear residents’ opinions on development, infrastructure, funding, open space, historical preservation, economic growth and policy. These issues are constantly topics of discussion, and rightfully so. The decisions our town and village officials make in these areas shape our lives: where we shop and live,  and how much we pay in taxes. We all have opinions on the decisions local officials make. June 17 is the day we can act. 

Our local elected officials have the power to make changes that could impact us for years after they leave office. As their constituents, we are their guides and as voters we choose and empower the decision-makers. What do we want our community’s future to look like and which candidate will take us there? 

We give local elections less thought and focus, especially when compared to the highly publicized federal elections. Over half of eligible voters turn out for federal elections while fewer than a quarter vote in local elections. 

In May, residents voted on their district’s budget, and if there were available seats on the board, for school board trustees. In the Huntington Union Free School District, only about 1,000 residents voted out of the 24,000 registered voters in the district, according to the district website. That amounts to around 4%. 

School board trustees could have a significant impact on the quality of education and programming. What the children in that district learn, what clubs they join, and what amenities the building offers can be altered by school boards. Our elections have concrete implications, not only during a two or four-year term, but in decades to follow. 

This month, we are voting for the mayor and trustees of Port Jefferson Village and for town supervisor and several board members for the towns of Smithtown and Huntington. In November, we will vote for our congress members, assembly members and senators.

To work towards what we envision for our community, and to protect the parts we value, we must do our part and vote. 

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METRO photo
Taking calcium may only help if you’re deficient

By David M. Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

We should all be concerned about osteoporosis risk. According to the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, 50 percent of women and 25 percent of men will break at least one bone due to osteoporosis (1). Hip fractures are especially concerning, because they increase mortality risk dramatically. More than 50 percent of hip fracture survivors are no longer able to live independently (2).

Do we need to consume more dairy?

Studies suggest that milk and other dairy products may not be as beneficial as we have been raised to believe.

Studies have shown milk may not be beneficial for preventing osteoporotic fractures. Specifically, in a meta-analysis that used data from the Nurses’ Health Study for women and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study for men, neither men nor women saw any benefit from milk consumption in preventing hip fractures (3).

In a 2020 meta-analysis of several past studies, researchers concluded that increased consumption of milk and other dairy products did not lower osteoporosis and hip fracture risks (4).

Generally, studies suggest that dairy may cause additional health problems. The results of a large, 20-year, observational study involving men and women in Sweden showed that milk may be harmful (5). When comparing those who consumed three or more cups of milk daily to those who consumed less than one, there was a 93 percent increased risk of mortality in women between the ages of 39 and 74. 

Dosage also mattered. For every one glass of milk consumed, there was a 15 percent increased risk of death for women. There was a much smaller, but significant, three percent per glass increased risk of death in men. For both women and men, researchers found biomarkers in the urine that indicated higher levels of oxidative stress and inflammation.

Remember: these are only associations, not decisive conclusions. The researchers surmise that milk has high levels of D-galactose, a simple sugar that may increase inflammation.

Interestingly, the USDA recommends that, from the age of 9 through adulthood, we consume about three cups of dairy per day (6).

Should we take calcium supplements?

We know calcium is a required element for strong bones, but do supplements really prevent osteoporosis and subsequent fractures? While the data are mixed, it suggests supplements may not be the answer for those who are not calcium deficient.

In a meta-analysis involving a group of observational studies, there was no statistically significant improvement in hip fracture risk in those men or women ingesting at least 300 mg of calcium from supplements and/or food daily (7).

The researchers did not differentiate among the types of foods containing calcium. In a group of randomized controlled trials analyzed in the same study, those taking 800 to 1,600 mg of calcium supplements per day also saw no increased benefit in reducing nonvertebral fractures. In four clinical trials, the researchers saw an increase in hip fractures among those who took calcium supplements. A weakness of this large study is that vitamin D baseline levels, exercise and phosphate levels were not considered in the analysis.

Does vitamin D supplementation reduce risk?

Finally, though the data are not always consistent for vitamin D, it appears it may be valuable when it comes to fracture prevention. In a meta-analysis involving 11 randomized controlled trials, vitamin D supplementation resulted in fewer fractures (8). When patients were given a median dose of 800 IUs (ranging from 792 to 2,000 IUs) of vitamin D daily, those who were aged 65 and over experienced a 14 percent reduction in nonvertebral fractures and an even greater 30 percent reduction in hip fractures. However, vitamin D in lower levels did not significantly reduce fracture risk.

Where does that leave us?

Our knowledge of dietary approaches is continually evolving. Dairy’s role may be an example of this. No definitive statement can be made about calcium, although even in randomized controlled trials with supplements, there was no significant benefit. However, the patients in these trials were not necessarily deficient in calcium nor vitamin D.

To prevent fracture, older patients may need at least 800 IUs of vitamin D supplementation per day.

Remember that treatment and prevention approaches should be individualized, and deficiencies in vitamin D or calcium should usually be treated, of course. Please, talk to your doctor before adding or changing any supplements.

References: 

(1) www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org. (2) EndocrinePractice. 2020 May;26(supp 1):1-46. (3) JAMA Pediatr. 2014;168(1):54-60. (4) Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2020;60(10):1722-1737. (5) BMJ 2014;349:g6015. (6) health.gov. (7) Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Dec;86(6):1780-1790. (8) N Engl J Med. 2012 Aug. 2;367(5):481.

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.

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Barbara Palazzo taking the CatchU test.

By Daniel Dunaief

A significant concern for the elderly, falls create health problems that affect the quality of life and generate significant expense.

Stony Brook University’s Jeannette Mahoney, Professor of Neurology and Chief of the Division of Cognitive and Sensorimotor Aging in the Renaissance School of Medicine, has developed a smartphone app called CatchU that is designed to alert patients and their doctors to the potential likelihood of falls.

Jeannette Mahoney with her grandmother Jean Sisinni, who died from a fall and for whom she’s dedicated the work on CatchU.

The National Institute of Aging (NIA) recently named CatchU as one of 21 finalists out of 275 entrants around the country for its Start-Up Challenge. As a finalist, Mahoney received $10,000, recently participated in entrepreneurial training sessions, and is receiving one on one mentorship.

“Falls are a leading cause of injury and death for older adults, including persons living with Alzheimer’s Disease,” Joy Toliver, Program Analyst at the National Institute of Aging explained. CatchU is a “novel approach” that has the potential to “expand access to high-quality, comprehensive fall risk assessments and to improve the health and quality of life of older adults.”

If CatchU is chosen as one of seven winners in the next stage of the challenge, Mahoney, through her company JET Worldwide Enterprises, is also eligible to receive $65,000.

Previous participants in a challenge that is now in its third year have gone on to raise significant equity funding, secure multiple grants and form partnerships with health systems to expand the impact of their solutions, Toliver added.

An ‘honor’

“I’m super stoked — it’s really such an honor to be selected by members of the NIA that believe in you, your science and your product,” Mahoney said.

A photo of the CatchU app courtesy of JET Worldwide Enterprises Inc.

She plans to use the prize money she’s received so far to help with app enhancements, legal fees for review of new service agreements, and exclusive license obligations.

The app links impaired multisensory integration, in which people combine information from visual and other cues, with poor motor outcomes. Mahoney has been working in this field for about a decade. Through a 10-minute health app that monitors reaction time as a person is asked to respond as quickly as possible to targets they can see, feel or see and feel at the same time, CatchU provides a quantitative risk for falls.

Across the country, about three million older Americans require an Emergency Room visit each year as a result of fall-related injuries.

Closer to home, Suffolk County residents from 65 to 74 are hospitalized at the rate of 106 per 10,000, while those number increase with each decade. From 75 to 84, residents require hospitalization at a rate of 311 per 10,000. People in the county who are over 85 visit hospitals after falls at the rate of 821 per 10,000, according to the Suffolk County Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan.

For seniors over 75 years old in Suffolk County the hospitalization rate from falls exceeded that for the state exclusive of the city by more than 30 percent.

According to research Mahoney has done, older adults with poor multisensory integration are 24 percent more likely to fall than those with intact multisensory integration.

“We believe that results of the CatchU test will likely change over time for better or worse depending on levels of remediation,” she explained. “Our goal is to uncover what type of remediation (whether it is sensory, cognitive, or motor focused or some combination), and what duration/ frequency is most beneficial in subsequent clinical trials.”

Mahoney envisions using CatchU as a new standard of care for predicting fall propensity in adults 65 and over. Depending on performance, people could receive remote testing every six to 12 months.

Possible remediation

While people could download the app today, they wouldn’t be able to take the test without a provider code. Doctors would receive the results of their tests directly and could offer a range of recommended actions. This could include tai chi, physical therapy, core balance, strength training or other exercises.

Mahoney and her colleagues are running a clinical trial in Westchester County. The study attempts to determine whether integration measured on CatchU is comparable to integration measured on the lab apparatus. They submitted this research for publication.

The clinical trial also seeks to determine whether older adults with poor multisensory integration that receive feedback about their CatchU performance would go on to fall less often or have a longer time to fall compared to older adults with poor multisensory integration who did not receive any such specific feedback.

Alzheimer’s assessment

CatchU could provide beneficial information for people who might develop Alzheimer’s Disease.

From what Mahoney and her colleagues can tell, the same simple reaction time test taps into inter-related sensory, motor and cognitive neural circuits that are all affected by aging and/or disease.

Mahoney has shown that an ability to integrate sensory information is associated with higher amyloid burden, which is a known biomarker for Alzheimer’s Disease.

“Our current R01 project work will help us uncover the exact structural and functional neural correlates of impaired multisensory integration, which may shed light on the specific outcome measures that are adversely affected by poor integration,” Mahoney explained.

A returning Seawolf

Mahoney rejoined Stony Brook University in October, over 22 years after she graduated from the downstate flagship SUNY school with a bachelor of arts degree in Psychology and Social Science. She described coming back to campus as a “surreal” experience and appreciates how her colleagues have been“super helpful and supportive.”

Mahoney lives in upstate Stony Point with her husband Timmy, their 14 year-old daughter Kayleigh and 10-year old son Peter.

Mahoney formed the company JET Worldwide Enterprises almost exactly five years ago. It is based in Stony Point and has two employees. The company name, JET, comes from a nickname for Mahoney’s first name. If she is able to secure future funding, she hopes to move JET to incubator space at Stony Brook.

The family enjoys playing board games, including Mahjong. Mahoney learned the tile game from her mother, who learned it from Mahoney’s grandmother Jean Sissini.

Mahoney has dedicated CatchU to her grandmother, who passed away in 2021 after suffering a fall. 

While Sissini is no longer with them, the family knows she is “always with us in spirit,” Mahoney said.

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Libra

Welcome to the 42nd edition of Paw Prints, a monthly column for animal lovers dedicated to helping shelter pets find their furever home.

Libra

 

Meet Libra

The Libra personality is known for being fair-minded and having the ability to see both sides of every argument. They are renowned for their charm, diplomatic spirit, and tempered nature. A six year old Terrier mix at Little Shelter in Huntington, this Libra’s horoscope predicts a soon-to-be forever home and a bright future. Well-balanced and interesting, he has an independent personality and would prefer to be the only pet in the household, confident he can fulfill the role of best friend and loyal partner. This handsome fellow has both the spunk of a Terrier and an astrologist’s insight, so if the stars align for you, stop by to meet him today. 631-368-8770 *Libra is mostly housebroken.

Sunny

Meet Sunny

Dappy Sunny at the Smithtown Animal Shelter has a disposition that matches his name. This 80 pound 4-year-old Alaskan Malamute is sweet, attentive, smart and quite the talker! Like an old fashioned crooner, he is handsome, a gentleman and sings lament-like howls when he is feeling neglected. This breed is highly intelligent, acitve and has grooming needs that a potential home would have to be equipped to provide. Any family would be lucky to add this handsome man to their ranks.  He would do best in a home with older children and no cats. 631-360-7575.

Ricky

Meet Ricky

Little Ricky’s eyes tell the story of a soul that’s been through far too much. Rescued from death row at NYCACC, this precious Puggle arrived at the door of Save-A-Pet in Port Jefferson Station sad, confused, and suffering from painful ear and skin infections—neglect no dog should ever endure.

Despite it all, Ricky is pure sweetness. He is quiet, gentle, and full of love just waiting to be received. He’s been healing beautifully with proper medical care and a safe place to rest, and now, all he needs is a home where he can finally feel safe and cherished.

Ricky would thrive in a calm, peaceful environment, ideally with someone who understands that sometimes the most broken hearts make the most loyal companions. He’s the kind of dog who will curl up beside you, gaze at you with those soulful eyes, and remind you daily what love really looks like.

After everything he’s endured, Little Ricky  is ready to give his heart to the person who offers it to him. 631-473-6333

Maddie

Meet Maddie

Meet Maddie — a sweet, gentle 8-year-old soul with a heart full of love! Maddie came to the Brookhaven Animal Shelter as a stray, and it was clear she had been through a lot. She was found with chains tied to her collar, which she had chewed through in an effort to free herself. But despite her tough past, Maddie has proven to be resilient and incredibly loving. 

Now that she’s safe and warm in the shelter, Maddie sleeps soundly, knowing she’s in a safe place. She adores being around people, offering affection and companionship to everyone she meets. She’s a calm and loving girl, who would do wonderfully in a home with kids. Maddie deserves the chance to experience the good life she’s been waiting for. This gem of a dog is ready to be someone’s loyal, loving companion. Will that be you? 631-451-6955

Sylvie

Meet Sylvie

This petite beauty is a dilute tortie with a heart as soft as her fur. Sylvie was rescued from a high-intake shelter in Georgia and is now safe at Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton. Even after a rough start, she’s kept her gentle, loving spirit shining bright. The purr-fect mix of affectionate and independent she’ll happily curl up for some pets and attention, then retreat to her favorite perch on the cat tree to quietly watch the world go by. Sylvie would make a wonderful companion for someone looking to share peaceful days and cozy nights. She’s ready to leave her past behind and start her forever with someone who’ll treasure her. 631-727-5731, Ext.

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Pet-A-Palooza heads to Little Shelter

Join Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center, 33 Warner Road, Huntington for its annual Pet-A-Palooza fundraiser celebration on June 14 and June 15 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Featuring a huge Chinese auction, games for kids, face painting, BBQ, Blessing of the Animals service on June 15 at 3 p.m., “Dogs on Parade” dog contest, doggie swimsuit contest and many animals for adoption. Meet Anna and Raven from WALK 97.5 FM on June 14. 631-368-8770, www.littleshelter.org

Rescue is a lifestyle. Adopt, don’t shop.

Check out the next Paw Prints in the issue of July 10.

Paw Prints is generously sponsored by Mark T. Freeley, Esq.

 

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Greek Cheeseburger

By Heidi Sutton

While Father’s Day is for honoring dads, it’s also a great opportunity to honor the men who have been father figures to us — stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles, even friends who have played that role in our lives.

This year, take some extra time to tell those men how much they’ve meant to you. A card or letter, a phone call … or have them over for a special dinner. Grill up Greek Cheeseburgers or Curried Turkey Sliders to make them feel really special. Serve with fries or a pasta salad. And don’t forget dessert!

Greek Cheeseburgers

Recipe courtesy Marcia Stanley

YIELD: Makes 5 servings

INGREDIENTS:  

Garlic Mint Sauce

3/4 cup cottage cheese, any type

1/2 cup (2 oz.) cheese, crumbled feta

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons chopped red onion

1 teaspoon chopped fresh mint leaves

Sandwiches

1 cup cottage cheese, any type

2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs

1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano, or 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 pound lean ground beef

5 hamburger buns

1 1/4 cups baby Arugula

10 thin slices tomato

1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber

DIRECTIONS:

In large bowl combine 1 cup cottage cheese, bread crumbs, oregano, salt and cayenne pepper. Add ground beef and mix well. Shape into five 1/2-inch-thick patties. Grill directly over medium heat for 10 to 13 minutes or until done (160°F), turning once. 

Line bun bottoms with arugula. Top with burgers, tomato slices, cucumber slices, Garlic Mint Sauce and bun tops and serve.

Curried Turkey Sliders

Recipe courtesy of Culinary.net

YIELD: Makes 6 servings

INGREDIENTS:  

1 pound lean ground turkey

1/4 cup finely diced onion

2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

12 mini burger or small dinner rolls split and toasted

Chutney:

2 green kiwifruit peeled, finely diced

1 tablespoon golden raisins

2 teaspoons sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS:

Combine kiwifruit, raisins, sugar and salt in small bowl and mix. Make chutney just prior to serving. Preheat grill to medium. Combine turkey, onions, cilantro, curry powder, salt and pepper in medium bowl. Shape into 12 2-inch mini burger patties. Grill patties for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, turning once, until cooked through. Place on buns; top with chutney before serving.

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