Seafood is a healthy addition to any diet. Whether it’s fish, mollusks or crustaceans, seafood tends to be lower in calories and saturated fat than meat- or poultry-based protein sources, and it may be rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Shrimp, in particular, is a type of seafood that many people enjoy because it’s not as fishy as other offerings. Try these recipes for Shrimp Pad Thai and crisp and tasty Shrimp Cakes for a delicious home-cooked meal.
Shrimp Pad Thai with Jasmine Rice
Recipe courtesy of Success Rice
Shrimp Pad Thai
YIELD: Makes 4 servings
INGREDIENTS:
1 bag Success Jasmine Rice
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon minced garlic
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1 cup bean sprouts
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons dry roasted peanuts, chopped
4 lime wedges
DIRECTIONS:
Prepare rice according to package directions. Set aside. In small bowl, combine brown sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, soy sauce and chili garlic sauce. Set aside. In large wok or skillet over high heat, heat 1/2 tablespoon oil. Quickly scramble egg. Remove from pan and reserve. Add remaining oil to wok over high heat. Add shrimp and garlic; stir-fry 5 minutes, or until shrimp are cooked. Add reserved sauce and rice; stir-fry 2 minutes. Add green onions and reserved egg; toss to combine.
Divide pad Thai between four bowls. Top each with bean sprouts, cilantro and peanuts. Serve with lime wedges.
Shrimp Cakes with Honey Lemon Aioli
Recipe courtesy of Robin Miller
Shrimp Cakes with Honey Lemon Aioli
YIELD: Makes 4 servings
INGREDIENTS:
1 pound cooked shrimp, tails removed
1⁄4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1⁄4 cup diced red bell pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1 large egg
1/4 teaspoon salt and black pepper
4 tablespoons olive oil
For the Honey Lemon Aioli:
1⁄2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon grated fresh lemon zest
DIRECTIONS:
Place the shrimp in a food processor, and pulse on and off until coarsely chopped. Add the breadcrumbs, bell pepper, chives, egg, salt and pepper and pulse on and off until blended. Form the mixture into four patties, each about 1-inch thick. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp patties, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
To make the aioli, whisk together all the ingredients until blended and spoon over shrimp cakes.
Estate planning is often a family affair. While clients may come to us worried about their future, they are also worried about the future of those they will leave behind when they die. It may be a child, niece, or nephew who has had a run of bad luck, a string of bad relationships, or one that makes bad business decisions.
Even clients who are leaving assets to children with good marriages and seemingly no debt have concerns that one of these negative situations may arise in the future for one of their beneficiaries, and then what?
When concern about a beneficiary is top of mind, clients are often interested in hearing about the options available for leaving assets behind in a Trust for the benefit of one or multiple beneficiaries. These can be called by several names but we regularly use the term “descendants trust.” This type of trust gives creditor protection to beneficiaries, protecting their inheritance from dissipation in the event of a divorce, bad business decisions, general creditors, or any other creditors. A descendants trust can be drafted to avoid additional estate taxes at the beneficiary’s subsequent death, thereby preserving wealth for another generation.
A descendants trust can be created for each beneficiary to protect their inheritance. These trusts are created by the client’s last will and testament or living trust, and the creating document lists the specific rules of each trust.
One of the first decisions to make is who should serve as trustee. The trustee is responsible for investing and reinvesting assets held by the trust. This can include assets invested in the market, cash, or real estate. To assist clients in making the decision of who should serve as trustee, we ask if we are trying to protect the beneficiary from themself or from others. If the beneficiary is the problem, we will recommend a family member, friend, or corporate entity serve as trustee. For concerns about creditors, divorcing spouses or other outside entities, we may recommend that the beneficiary can serve as their own trustee.
The particular circumstances of the situation will help dictate this choice. If a close family member or the beneficiary serve as trustee, they are deemed to be “interested” rather than “independent.
In determining allocations of principal from the trust, an interested trustee is restricted to distribution only for health, education, maintenance, and support. If there is an independent trustee, then assets can be paid for any reason at the discretion of the trustee.
For distributions of income, a descendants trust can provide that any income generated from an asset in the trust shall be paid out to the beneficiary, although the income can also be directed to remain in the trust and distributions can be made upon the discretion of the trustee. However, the trustee must keep in mind that income that remains in the descendants trust will be taxed to the trust at its own tax rate, usually higher than that of the individual beneficiary.
Beyond the known concerns for a beneficiary, there may be a concern for future need for Medicaid or other government benefits. The descendants trust is a good solution because it can have supplemental needs language that allows a beneficiary to maintain or apply for government benefits while maintaining trust assets to be preserved, should this become necessary.
While some clients may feel that their assets are such that their children will not need government benefits, there are many wonderful programs for the disabled that can only be accessed by government benefit programs. This provision may or may not be applicable to future heirs and is prudent to include. The future is unknown and with the proper planning, you be sure your beneficiaries and the money you leave for them is well protected.
Britt Burner, Esq. is a Partner at Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. focusing her practice areas on Estate Planning and Elder Law. Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. serves clients from New York City to the east end of Long Island with offices located in East Setauket, Westhampton Beach, Manhattan and East Hampton.
In connection with the Times Beacon Record Newspapers’ coverage of Stony Brook University’s Center for Healthy Aging, I asked a host of people what gets better for them with age. I promised each of them anonymity, so I have altered their names.
Starting with people in their 40’s to 60’s, one of the most common responses involved the relationship they had with their children.
“The first thing that comes to my mind is that my kids get better with age,” explained John in an email. “It has been such a joy to watch [his 15-year old daughter and 13-year-old son] grow up and become smart, relatively well-adjusted, and really interesting young adults.”
Indeed, Mary, whose children are in their early 20’s, suggested that her relationship with both of them has gotten better with each passing year. She appreciates their support and caring and feels time with them, by definition, has become quality time.
Julie, who is an empty nester, believes her relationship with her husband has improved dramatically. In the first few years after her children graduated from college, she and her husband did not have the same ideas about how to help guide and direct their children, leading to tension in their household and their marriage.
After a few important and stressful conversations, as well as an ultimatum or two, Julie and her husband have never been closer and are enjoying the opportunity to live, work and play together.
The 40’s to 60’s group also shared their professional confidence and comfort, trusting their own judgment as they have poured considerable time and effort into building their careers.
“Perspective gets better since you’ve seen more situations and something that might have appeared catastrophic earlier comes into focus as something that will pass,” Robert said in an email.
Dana feels her sense of self has improved. “I know who I am, and my thoughts, feelings and actions are now more aligned, which leads to contentment,” she said.
Fred suggested that his friendships have gotten better over time, both in importance and depth. He also feels his dog has made a ‘tremendous difference in my life.”
As the years since formal schooling slip further back in his life, Fred appreciates the opportunity to read for his own enjoyment and for himself, instead of to fulfill the requirements for a class.
The younger generation, which includes a sampling of people in their low to mid 20’s, couldn’t resist showing a little attitude.
The first response to “what gets better with age” was “cheese and wine.”
Sharing the sentiment expressed by those who have older children, they added “their appreciation for their parents.”
Also making the cut were “little things you took for granted,” “going on a long run and not getting hurt,” and “an appreciation for hanging out with friends.”
In the years after playing on school teams became less frequent, they also appreciate the opportunity to return to the court or to the field to play sports that are no longer scheduled a few times a week over the course of a long season.
As for those over 65, the list includes “focusing on the things that matter,” said Sheila. “Don’t sweat the little things.”
Carrie has learned to care less about what others think and do what she wants to do.
Joe suggested that “wisdom and temperament” come with age, although he added that’s not always the case.
“I don’t have to worry everyday about whether I will succeed in my goals,” said Paula, who is still working and traveling as a part of her job as she approaches 80. “I don’t have to worry whether my child will survive or thrive, whether I can pay my bills. I can relax a bit, but not too much because there is so much yet to do.”
Please note that we have added something new to the front page of the newspaper. In the upper right hand corner, next to our flag, is a QR code. When you open that code with your cellphone, you will immediately be transported to the home page of our website, and there you will find a button that says, “LISTEN NOW.” Click there and you will be able to hear the current week’s podcast.
Do you know about our podcast?
Each week, after the newspaper comes out, members of the editorial team sit around a table in the recording studio and chat about the week’s news for a little over half an hour. We talk about what lies behind the headlines and perhaps throw in other bits of information that may not have fit into the limited space in the paper.
Called “Pressroom Afterhour,” our regular participants include Samantha Rutt, managing editor; Mike Vincenti, co-producer; and myself. At the other end is our audio engineer, Michael Dunaief, in California.
Different reporters, who have contributed stories each week, join us, either in person or as a call-in, and give more depth to the stories they have written, as well as commentary on other articles. We also include sports, with our sportscasters, Bill Landon and Steve Zaitz, and a weekly round-up of the news.
Sometimes, we invite guests, like Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, historian Bev Tyler, estate lawyers Nancy Burner and Gail Prudenti, and SCWA Chairman Charlie Lefkowitz, when they have participated in the week’s events.
This week, beginning tomorrow, May 31, we have joining us Dr. Suzanne Fields, interim co-director of the new Center for Healthy Aging at Stony Brook Medical Center. A distinguished geriatrician, she speaks about the Center, its purpose and goals, and offers an insightful overview of the aging process. Interviewing her this week, both for the newspapers and on the podcast, is reporter Daniel Dunaief.
The podcast is available after noon every Friday, can be heard from the car or wherever you have your cellphone, and is available throughout the ensuing week either from our website, via the QR code, the home page at www.tbrnewsmedia.com or Spotify.
Please join us for a better understanding of the local news and the fun of discussing what’s happening in our daily lives. We would welcome any comments from you, as well as suggestions for articles to be featured on future podcasts.
This is a bit of news with a local perspective you might not get elsewhere. Ben Brown, a freshman pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, pitched seven innings of no-hit ball on Tuesday against the the Milwaukee Brewers before he was taken out of the game by the manager, after throwing 93 pitches, for fear of straining his arm. At that point, the Cubs led by the score of 1-0.
Now, Ben Brown is a graduate of Ward Melville High School in the Three Village School District. He is a hometown boy, drafted right out of high school, at the age of 17, by the Phillies, as we wrote in a comprehensive previous article a couple of months ago. Brown, 24, was traded to the Cubs and brought up from the Minors this Spring.
The reliever, after getting the first out, opened the door. The Brewers tied the game by the ninth inning.
Fortunately for the Cubs, they were able to score five runs in the top of the tenth, and although the Brewers threatened in the bottom of the inning, scoring two, the Cubs shut the door, winning 6-3. And all of the game was played by the Cubs with some of the team, including Brown, ill with a bug.
We will surely talk about this game on the podcast this week, even though neither of the major league teams is local. But Ben Brown is and is richly worth a shout-out.
“Have enough courage to trust love one more time and always one more time.”
~ Maya Angelo
With a name synonymous with “warrior”, three-year-old Sloan is no stranger to adversity. Born into a hoarding situation, she, along with several others, was given another chance by Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center. After finding what was supposed to be her permanent home, Sloan sadly again found herself in a situation where she wasn’t able to be cared for properly, prompting her relinquishment to Road to Home Rescue Support.
Sloan
After Sloan underwent blood work along with other necessary medical care, it was recognized that she suffered from a seizure disorder. Already settled into a loving foster home, it was then that her link to Little Shelter was discovered, prompting a collaboration between two incredible organizations. Working together to ultimately ensure her safety, future happiness, and well-being, both are invested in finding the best outcome for Sloan, putting her needs first and foremost.
Making remarkable strides with her foster mom, she is receiving her meds regularly and has not had another seizure under her current prescribed regime. Estimated to cost only $32.00/month, her twice daily medication has kept her seizures at bay and she has received a clean bill of health from her neurologist. She is spayed and up-to-date on her vaccines, as well as microchipped.
Thriving in her current living situation, she is finally able to just be her best self, engaging in playtime and enjoying cuddles, revealing an adorable, funny, and lovable personality. She has harmonious relationships with cats and other small dogs, is crate, leash, and wee wee pad trained (while making progress with going outside) and is just about perfect in every way that counts. Now, Sloan is ready to experience what all dogs deserve, a place where she is loved and cherished as part of a real family, in a forever home of her very own.
If you’re willing to open your heart to this remarkable girl, please contact Little Shelter Rescue and Adoption Center at 631-368-8770 ext 21 for information on how to adopt Sloan.
Walking routinely can reduce your risk of dialysis.Stock photo
By David Dunaief, M.D.
Dr. David Dunaief
In my recent article about chronic kidney disease (CKD), I wrote that about 90 percentof the estimated 35.5 million U.S. adults who have CKD are not even aware they have it (1).
How is this possible?
CKD is typically asymptomatic in its early stages. Once it reaches moderate stages, vague symptoms like fatigue, malaise and loss of appetite can surface. It’s when it reaches advanced stages that symptoms become more evident. Those at highest risk for CKD include patients with diabetes, high blood pressure and those with first-degree relatives who have advanced disease.
What is the effect of CKD?
Your kidneys are essentially little blood filters. They remove waste, toxins, and excess fluid from your body. They also play roles in controlling your blood pressure, producing red blood cells, maintaining bone health, and regulating natural chemicals in your blood. When your kidneys aren’t operating at full capacity, it can cause heart disease, stroke, anemia, infection, and depression — among others.
How often should you be screened for CKD?
If you have diabetes, you should have your kidney function checked every year (2). If you have other risk factors, like high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of kidney failure, talk to your physician about a regular screening schedule. A 2023 Stanford School of Medicine study recommends screening all U.S. residents over age 35. The authors conclude that the cost of screening and early treatment would be lower than the long-term cost of treatment for those undiagnosed until they are in advanced stages (3). In addition, they project it will improve life expectancy.
Does basic exercise help?
One study shows that walking reduces the risk of death by 33 percent and the need for dialysis by 21 percent (4). Those who walked more often saw greater results: participants who walked one-to-two times a week had a 17 percent reduction in death and a 19 percent reduction in kidney replacement therapy, while those who walked at least seven times per week experienced a more impressive 59 percent reduction in death and a 44 percent reduction in the risk of dialysis. The study included 6,363 participants with an average age of 70 who were followed for an average of 1.3 years.
How does protein consumption affect CKD?
With CKD, more protein is not necessarily better. It may even be harmful. In a meta-analysis of 17 studies of non-diabetic CKD patients who were not on dialysis, results showed that the risk of progression to end-stage kidney disease, including the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant, was reduced 36 percent in those who consumed a very low-protein diet, rather than a low-protein or a normal protein diet (5).
How much should I reduce mysodium consumption?
In a study, results showed that a modest sodium reduction in our diet may be sufficient to help prevent proteinuria (protein in the urine) (6). Here, less than 2000 mg per day was shown to be beneficial, something all of us can achieve.
Are some high blood pressure medications better than others?
We routinely give certain medications, ACE inhibitors or ARBs, to patients who have diabetes to protect their kidneys. What about patients who do not have diabetes? ACEs and ARBs are two classes of high blood pressure medications that work on the kidney systems responsible for blood pressure and water balance (7). Results of a study show that these medications reduced the risk of death significantly in patients with moderate CKD. Most of the patients were considered hypertensive.
However, there was a high discontinuation rate among those taking the medications. If you include the discontinuations and regard them as failures, then all who participated showed a 19 percent reduction in risk of death, which was significant. However, if you exclude discontinuations, the results are much more robust with a 63 percent reduction. To get a more realistic picture, this result, including both participants and dropouts, is probably close to what will occur in clinical practice unless patients are highly motivated.
Should you take NSAIDs?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which include ibuprofen and naproxen, have been associated with CKD progression and with kidney injury in those without CKD (1). NSAIDs can also interfere with the effectiveness of ACE inhibitors or ARBs. Talk to your doctor about your prescription NSAIDs and any other over-the-counter medications and supplements you are taking.
What should I remember?
It’s critical to protect your kidneys. Fortunately, basic lifestyle modifications can help; lowering sodium modestly, walking frequently, and lowering your protein consumption may all be viable options. Talk to your physician about your medications and supplements and about whether you need regular screening. High-risk patients with hypertension or diabetes should definitely be screened; however, those with vague symptoms of lethargy, aches and pains might benefit, as well.
References:
(1) cdc.gov. (2) niddk.nih.gov (3) Annals of Int Med. 2023;176(6):online. (4) Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2014;9(7):1183-9. (5) Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;(10):CD001892. (6) Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens. 2014;23(6):533-540. (7) J Am Coll Cardiol. 2014;63(7):650-658.
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.
As a trustee of my local library, I signed up for a trainingabout “ALA and Sustainability” given by the American Library Association. What I learned was that the ALA at its Annual Conference in 2015 passed a resolution noting that libraries play an important and unique role in wider community communications about resilience, climate change and a sustainable future.
A resolution for the Adoption of Sustainability as a Core Value of Librarianship was adopted in 2019, stating “To be truly sustainable, an organization or community must embody practices that are environmentally sound AND economically feasible AND socially equitable.
In adopting sustainability as a core value of librarianship, ALA recognizes the findings of the UN that the immediate consequences of climate change are far more dire than originally predicted. Libraries today should play a large role in informing and involving the public in actions to transform our local economies to reduce carbon emissions by learning about renewable energy efforts being created locally, by involving residents in efforts to reuse and repair our recyclables, and by sponsoring programs to explain the circular economy that would reduce our waste.
Libraries with youth members could involve them at an early age in activities to reduce waste. For patrons who have questions about climate change, and what it really is, the library is a good place to offer speakers or materials to help them learn more.
Libraries that demonstrate good stewardship of the resources entrusted to them will build community support that leads to sustainable funding. Indeed, most of our local libraries are seen as strong and authentic and rely on an annual vote by community residents. Making choices about their building management can also set an example about the need to reduce carbon emissions and how to do it.
A resolution passed in 2015 noted that libraries play a unique role. They are often positioned to reach residents throughout the community and can offer programs to meet the needs of all residents, depending on the time of day that is most convenient, and what language is appropriate. Library patrons can address environmental injustice conditions in their community and learn from other patrons or library staff how to address the issues and encourage the civic participation with others.
Libraries have been known as a place to borrow books. Today, they provide access also to connections to computers, research and referral topics, and information from diverse sources about many topics as well as groups to explore activities, often with instruction or materials provided by the library. For children, the ALA Round Table Book List includes children’s books on nature, health, conservation, and communities that reflect the mission “to exchange ideas and opportunities regarding sustainability in order to move toward amore equitable, healthy, and economically viable society.”
Can libraries accomplish these goals? In fact, many local libraries have begun to do so. They offer a wide range of talks, activities, and displays to answer patrons’ questions or broaden their expertise. Some sponsor “carbon crews,” which are small groups of residents working toward reducing their carbon footprints with support from a leader and other members. Some have started “repair cafes” where patrons can get help from other patrons to fix items they want to keep using.
The Suffolk Cooperative Library System has shown the way. Between 2016 and 2023, the system reduced the cost of its electricity consumption by 76.8%. It has calculated the reduction of its use of energy by 85.4% by changing to LED lighting, turning lights off automatically, regularly maintaining of the HVAC system, and improved insulation and auto-sleep settings on computers and copiers and the conversion to laptops, as well as the purchase of solar panels. Local Suffolk libraries that are enrolled in the ALA’s Sustainable Library Certification Program get recognized and are encouraged to host a certification ceremony for the community.
Learn about programs your library sponsors to reduce yourcommunity’s carbon footprint. If you have suggestions for library programs, contact your library administration.
Nancy Marr is Vice-President of the League of Women Voters of Suffolk County.
This week’s Shelter Pet is Peanut Butter, up for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter. This adorable female, tan Dachshund mix is approximately ten years young and by all definitions, is absolutely perfect. Peanut Butter was living in a home with her people as an only child until her mom and dad welcomed a new baby. When the dynamic in the household changed, Peanut Butter’s family decided that managing an active toddler and a furry child was simply too much to handle. This poor baby was surrendered to the shelter through no fault of her own.
Peanut Butter is as delicious as her name… She adores being in the company of people and will not hesitate to greet new friends with hopes of receiving a good petting in return. This sweet girl has a fondness for snuggles and has a lot of unconditional love to give one lucky family. Peanut Butter’s ideal home can include a calm doggie sibling, possibly cats and kids preferably over the age of twelve. Little Peanut Butter deserves to have the happy ever after she was cheated out of. Let’s all help share Peanut Butter’s story, in hopes of giving her the very best life imaginable.
If you are interested in meeting Peanut Butter please fill out an application and schedule a date/time to properly interact in a domestic setting, which includes a Meet and Greet Room, the dog runs, and a Dog Walk trail.
The Town of Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Visitor hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings by appointment only). For more information, call 631-360-7575 or visit www.townofsmithtownanimalshelter.com.
Memorial Day is a solemn occasion, a time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. We pay our respects at cemeteries, hold parades and fly the flag at half-staff. But as we honor the fallen, let’s not forget the living veterans who carry the weight of their service.
Memorial Day can be a springboard for a broader conversation about supporting our veterans. New York State, Suffolk County and the Town of Brookhaven all offer a range of programs that address veterans needs, from health care and education to mental health services and job training. Here’s a breakdown of some of the resources available:
New York State:
● NYS Department of Veterans’ Services: The DVS is a one-stop shop for veterans, offering benefits that include counseling, education assistance, employment programs and more. Call 888-838-7697 or visit NYS Department of Veterans’ Services website at veterans.ny.gov to learn more.
● Benefits for Veterans and Families: The NYS Veterans Bill of Rights ensures priority in employment and training programs. Explore details on the New York State Assembly website at nyassembly.gov.
Suffolk County:
● Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency: The VS agency provides veterans with a variety of services, including benefits assistance, health care navigation, and referrals to mental health resources. Reach out at 631-853-8387.
Town of Brookhaven:
● Brookhaven Division of Veterans Services: The department offers support with benefit claims, honors veterans through ceremonies and maintains a food pantry specifically for veterans and their families. Call the veterans service officer at 631-451-6574.
Beyond government agencies:
● Veterans Service Organizations: These national organizations, like the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans, provide camaraderie, advocacy and social events for veterans. Local chapters often offer additional resources. Find a VSO near you through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website at www.va.gov.
This is not an exhaustive list. Many local charities and organizations offer programs specifically tailored to veterans needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your local veteran service agency or VSO chapter for further guidance.
But government programs can only go so far. We, as a community, need to step up as well. Let’s reach out to veterans in our neighborhoods, check in on their well-being and offer a helping hand. Simple acts of kindness can go a long way in showing our appreciation for their service. Memorial Day should extend throughout the whole year.
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