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ALL MUSCLE Flowerfields Fairgrounds in Saint James hosts a Fall Car Show & Swap Meet on Oct. 23. Come view show cars like this custom 1966 Plymouth Sport Fury. Photo from Long Islnd Cars
*See more events on our Halloween calendar on this website.
Ongoing

Fall Art Walk

From Oct. 17 to Nov. 1, over 30 participating businesses along Main Street and East Main Street in the Village of Port Jefferson will display original artwork by local artists for public viewing in their front windows. The event is sponsored by the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and supported by the Night Herons. Maps are available at participating businesses and at the chamber office, 118 West Broadway, Port Jefferson. For more information, call 473-1414.

Thursday October 20

Outreach bus heads to Setauket

The Catholic Health Community Outreach Bus will be at Emma S. Clark Memorial Library parking lot, 120 Main St., Setauket from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registered nurses will provide blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index, and glucose screenings along with patient education and referrals as needed. Free flu vaccinations will be offered by a registered nurse. The last screening will begin at 1:45 p.m. No appointments are necessary, there are no fees, and insurance is not required. No registration necessary. Call 941-4080.

Friday October 21

Paranormal Tour of Wardenclyffe

Tesla Science Center, 5 Randall Road, Shoreham presents a guided tour of Wardenclyffe by Long Island Paranormal Investigators (LIPI) from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. or 9 to 10 p.m. LIPI will conduct a guided tour using their electronic equipment, audio recorders, cameras, and other gadgetry. You’ll discover a new perspective of Wardenclyffe as you investigate Tesla’s transmitting tower base, the site of Wardenclyffe’s train spur, and the outdoor grounds surrounding the lab. Tickets are $66 adults, $63 seniors, $60 youths. To order, visit www.teslasciencenter.org.

Jazz Loft Tour

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook will present an opportunity to take a tour through jazz history, with its What is JAZZ? interactive tour tonight starting at 7 p.m.  The tour is comprised of seven stops within the Jazz Loft’s museum and performance space. Each stop in Jazz history is about four minutes, during which patrons will be treated to a brief performance and historical reflection. The entire live music, interactive experience will take about 30 minutes. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, free for ages 5 and under. To order, call 751-1895 or visit www.thejazzloft.org.  

Vic DiBitetto heads to SBU

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook welcomes stand-up comedian, internet personality, and actor, Vic DiBitetto to the Main Stage at 8 p.m. Performing for over four decades, DiBitetto has established himself as “The Donkey of Comedy,” doling out wildly irreverent takes on the world around him. Born in Brooklyn in the 1960s, DiBitetto’s signature stand up makes an evening with him feel like an evening with your favorite cousin. Tickets  start at $49. To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.

Friday Night Face-Off – just added

Friday Night Face Off, Long Island’s longest running Improv Comedy Show, returns to Theatre Three’s Second Stage, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson tonight at 10:30 p.m. Using audience suggestions, FNFO pits two teams of improvisers against each other in an all-out championship! Recommended for ages16 and up, due to adult content. Tickets are $15 at the door – cash only. Call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com for more information.

Saturday October 22

Harvest Fair

St. John’s Episcopal Church of Huntington, 12 Prospect St., Main Street, Huntington invites the community to a Harvest Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring holiday boutiques, silent auction, baked goods, raffle baskets, white elephant, antiques and fabulous finds, casual and professional thrift shop, handcrafted items. Call 427-1752 or visit www.stjohnshuntington.org.

Outdoor Thrift Market

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown will hold an outdoor Thrift Market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shop for antiques, household treasures, collectibles, knick knacks and more. Proceeds will benefit the center’s wildlife rehabilitation. Donations welcome. Questions? Call 901-5911.

Coram FD Fall Craft Fair

The Coram Fire Department, 303 Middle  Country  Road  Coram will hold a Fall Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The indoor event will feature vendors selling handmade crafts,   jewelry, clothes, baked  goods, quilts, assorted  gift baskets, Tupperware, makeup, candles t-shirts, designer  jackets and much more. Call 732-5733.

Victorian Tea 

The Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society hosts its annual Victorian Tea at the Fitz-Greene Hallock Homestead (1888), 2869 Pond Road, Lake Ronkonkoma with two seatings — 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Enjoy a full Victorian Tea lunch, self-guided tour of the house and grounds and door prizes, $30 per person with timed seating. Reservations required by calling 220-6370.

Fall Harvest & Music Festival

Join the Church on the Sound, 335 Oxhead Road, Stony Brook for its annual Fall Harvest  and Music Festival from noon to 7 p.m. Enjoy a pumpkin patch, pony rides, petting zoo, food trucks, games, raffles, face painting, kids activities, giant slide, pumpkin painting, photo booth, corn hole, live bands from 3 to 7 p.m., raffles and much more. Free. Call 941-4100.

Harvest Fest

The Village of Port Jefferson hosts its annual Harvest Fest from noon to 5 p.m. with live music, children’s activities, costumed dog parade, pumpkin carving, chowder crawl (fee) and much more. Rain date is Oct. 23. Call 473-4724 or visit www.portjeff.com.

Artoberfest in East Setauket

Join Preservation Long Island and the Long Island Museum for an Artoberfest, an afternoon of food, beer, music by Buddy Merriam & Backroads, arts and crafts, and games at the Sherwood-Jayne Farm, 55 Old Post Road, East Setauket from noon to 5 p.m. The event is a celebration of the art of Edward Lange (1846-1912), whose works are currently on view at the Long Island Museum through Dec. 18.  Rain date is Oct. 23. Tickets are $20/over 21, $10/under 21, free for ages 5 and under. To order tickets, visit www.preservationlongisland.org. Call 692-4664.

Owl Prowl at the Vanderbilt

Biologist and ranger Eric Powers, co-founder of the Center for Environmental Education & Discovery (CEED), will hold three Owl Prowls on the grounds of the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport including tonight, Nov. 12, and Nov. 18 at 6 p.m.. After a presentation on the owls of Long Island, Powers will lead a walk on the estate grounds, during which he will attempt to call in nearby owls. Flashlights are not permitted. Sturdy footwear is recommended as the trail is uneven and it will be dark. Tickets are $12. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Han Qin Projection Event

In collaboration with the Three Village Community Trust, Gallery North will stage an outdoor projection event at the Immigrant Factory Worker Houses, located behind the Bruce House at 148 Main Street in Setauket. This projection event starts at 7 pm and features the unique work of multimedia artist Han Qin. The show will highlight the important experiences of all immigrant groups throughout the history of the Three Village community. Free. Call 751-2676.

Comedy Show fundraiser

American Legion James Ely Miller Post 833, 51 Juniper Ave., Smithtown presents a Comedy Show fundraiser at 7:30 p.m. With comedians by Laugh out Loud Productions, the event will also feature a Chinese auction, 50/50, and light refreshments. All proceeds will be used to support the post’s Building Rehabilitation Project. Tickets are $30 per person. Call  724-1804 to order.

Sunday October 23

Fall Car Show – this event has been rescheduled to Oct. 31

Flowerfield Fairgrounds, Route 25A, St. James hosts a Custom & Collectible Car Show by Long Island Cars from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Street rods, classics, muscle cars, antiques, exotics, imports and collectibles plus vendors, cars for sale, music, pumpkin patch for the kids and more. Rain date is Oct. 30. Admission is $10 adults, free for ages 11 and younger. www.longislandcars.com.

Antiques & More — this event has been rescheduled to Nov. 5

​Enjoy a day of treasure-hunting at Antiques & More at the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shop for kitchenware, pottery, tools, glassware, jewelry, toys, ephemera, china, artwork. Free admission. Call 367-3418 or visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Smithtown Fire Prevention Day

The Smithtown Fire Department, 100 Elm Ave., Smithtown invites the community to a Fire Prevention Day from noon to 3 p.m. Enjoy fire safety activities for children and adults, participate in a firefighters obstacle course, meet the fire chief, spray a fire hose, see fire trucks and watch fire and rescue demonstrations. Held rain or shine. Questions? Call 631-265-1503.

Sunday Street Concert

WUSB’s Sunday Street series returns to the Long Island Museum’s Gillespie Room in the Carriage Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook at 5 p.m. with a concert titled Nanci & Townes: Remembering Two Texas Troubadours at 5 p.m. Join them for an evening devoted to the songs of Nanci Griffith and Townes Van Zandt. Participating are Gene Casey, Delaney Hafener, Caroline Doctorow, Bryan Gallo, Ray Lambiase, Mary Lamont w/Jim Marchese, Pete Mancini, Dave March, Gerry McKeveny, and Quarter Horse. Tickets are $20 at www.sundaystreet.org.

Seaside Lantern Walk

Join the staff at Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings park for a Seaside Lantern Walk from 6:30 to 8 p.m. See the beach in a whole new light as you round the point of Sunken Meadow State Park with only lanterns to guide the way! Pause along the way for some Long Island historical scary stories! Adult program. To register, please visit EventBrite.com & search #NatureEdventure.

Monday October 24

Art Walk to Ashley Schiff Preserve

To help raise awareness of the Ashley Schiff Preserve on the campus of Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook and the importance of protecting the land, the Zuccaire Gallery, Professor Sharon Pochron, Professor Nobuho Nagasawa’s Socially Engaged Art Seminar, and Stony Brook University’s Environmental Club, Marine Science, and Sunrise SBU club will lead a guided nature art walk to the preserve beginning at the Zuccaire Gallery, first floor Staller Center, from 4 to 5 p.m. Nature-inspired costumes encouraged. All welcome. Call 632-7240.

Coram Civic Meeting

The Coram Civic Association will hold its monthly meeting (Candidates Night) at the Coram Fire Department, Community Room, 303 Middle Country Road, Coram at 7:30 p.m. For info, visit www.CoramCivic.org or call 736-3168. 

Tuesday October 25

Tide Mill Tour

The Huntington Historical Society will lead a tour of the Van Wyck-Lefferts Tide Mill, one of the best preserved 18th century tide mills in the country, at 12 p.m. The tour begins with a short boat ride from Gold Star Battalion Beach into Puppy Cove, past waterfront mansions with sightings of egrets, ospreys, and visiting waterfowl. Your guide will explain the workings of the mill with some related social history, and each tour participant will receive a comprehensive, illustrated booklet. Ticket are $20 per person, $15 members. To purchase, call 427-7045 or visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

Meet the Candidates Night

Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station will host a Meet the Candidates night with the Port Jefferson Station/ Terryville Civic Association at 7 p.m. with the two candidates for Congressional District #1. All are welcome to attend this informative meeting. Call 631-928-1212 or visit www.pjstca.org.

Wednesday October 26

Atelier art webinar

Join the Atelier at Flowerfield in St. James for an online lecture titled “Which White is Which? — A Guide to Pigments Practical and Historical Information” from 7 to 9 p.m. Titanium, zinc, lead, flake, cremnitz and silver? All these pigments are white, but what makes them each different? Painter and teacher, Eric Alexander Santoli will be your guide in discussing the world of pigments from white through the rainbow to black. Free. To register, visit www.theatelieratflowerfield.org.

Thursday October 27

Indigenous Art discussion

Stony Brook University’s Zuccaire Gallery will host a panel discussion on Indigenous Art & Environmental Issues at the Staller Center Recital Hall, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook at 4 p.m. Connecting the Drops artists Courtney M. Leonard (Shinnecock) and Erin Genia (Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate) discuss their work as it relates to the environment and indigenous issues, in dialogue with Shavonne F. Smith, Environmental Director Shinnecock Nation and Dr. Ellen Pikitch, Endowed Professor of Ocean Conservation Science and Executive Director, Institute for Ocean Conservation Science at Stony Brook University.  Moderated by Dr. Abena Ampofoa Asare, Associate Professor of Modern African Affairs & History. Free and open to all. Call 632-7240.

Vanderbilt lecture

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centeport welcomes Robert P. Crease, author and philosopher of science, for an evening lecture on public trust in scientific institutions at 7 p.m. Crease’s lecture will serve as a book launch for his latest publication, The Leak: Politics, Activists, and Loss of Trust at Brookhaven National Laboratory, co-authored with former BNL Director Peter D. Bond. In The Leak, Crease reconstructs the events of 1997, when scientists discovered a small leak of radioactive water near the laboratory’s research reactor. He details how, despite posing no threat to public safety, the discovery sparked public outrage and threatened the existence of the national laboratory. $10 per person. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Native American Drumming 

All Souls Church Parish House, 10 Mill Pond Road, Stony Brook hosts an evening of Native American Drumming from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Led by elder drummer, Ric Statler, drumming meditation seeks to integrate the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual parts of the human self, creating a state of well-being. Call 655-7798 for more information.

Film

‘Rebellion’

The Port Jefferson Documentary series continues with a screening of Rebellion at John F. Kennedy Middle School, 200 Jayne Blvd, Port Jefferson Station on Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. The film gives us an in-depth look into the global environmental movement, Extinction Rebellion (XR), established in the United Kingdom, from its beginnings in 2018. Guest speaker will be co-director Maia Kenworthy via Zoom. Tickets are $10 at www.portjeffdocumentaryseries.com or at the door.

‘Lawrence of Arabia’

In honor of its 60th anniversary, Lawrence of Arabia starring Peter O’Toole will be screened at the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington on Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. with an introduction by Philip Harwood. Tickets are $15. For more info, call 423-7610 or visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Theater
ROCKIN’ THE BOAT
Catch a performance of ‘Guys and Dolls’ at Theatre Three before it leaves the dock. The show closes on Oct. 22. Photo by Brian Hoerger/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.

‘Guys and Dolls’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson kicks off its 52nd season with Guys and Dolls through Oct. 22. Considered the perfect musical of Broadway’s Golden Age, this delightful romp gambles in luck and love from Times Square to Havana. High rollers and low characters from Damon Runyon’s mythical New York are joyously presented in Frank Loesser’s bold and brassy score, featuring “Luck Be a Lady,” “I’ve Never Been in Love Before,” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” An award-winning classic for the entire family! Tickets are $35 adults, $28 senior and students, $20 children ages 5 and up. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Mystic Pizza’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents the new musical comedy, Mystic Pizza, through Oct. 30. Based on the classic 1988 movie starring Julia Roberts, Mystic Pizza charts the lives and loves of three unforgettable waitresses in the harbor town of Mystic, CT. Add in some of the best pop songs of the ‘80s and ‘90s such as “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” “Addicted To Love,” “Small Town,” “Hold On,” and “Take My Breath Away,” and you have all the ingredients for a romantic comedy–with the works! Tickets range from $80 to $85. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘The Lightning Thief’

The Smithtown Performing Arts Center presents The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical through Oct. 29. As the half-blood son of a Greek god, Percy Jackson has newly-discovered powers he can’t control, a destiny he doesn’t want, and a mythology textbook’s worth of monsters on his trail. When Zeus’s master lightning bolt is stolen and Percy becomes the prime suspect, he has to find and return the bolt to prove his innocence and prevent a war between the gods. Adapted from the best-selling book by Rick Riordan and featuring a thrilling original rock score, the mythical adventure  is “worthy of the gods.” Tickets are $40, $35 seniors, $25 students. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org

Vendors Wanted

Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook seeks craft vendors for its Holiday Night Market on Dec. 10 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. For further information, call 631-588-5024.

Art League of Long Island, 107 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills seeks artists and craftspeople for its 57th annual Holiday Fine Art & Craft Fair on Dec. 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Deadline to apply is Oct. 31. Call 631-462-5400 or visit www.artleagueli.org.

 

Dog Parks

By John L. Turner

Spending time amidst the splendor of nature with family and friends at various local parks is a great way to spend a day, especially with the cooler weather of autumn. And because many parks situated throughout Long Island allow dogs, including several specifically established for dogs, you don’t have to leave your four-legged friend at home, eyeing you longingly through the screen door as you head to your car. Grab the leash and bring Fido along — you’ll both benefit from the exercise. 

You already know the benefits to your health from regular exercise — weight control, cardiovascular fitness, strengthening bones and muscles, and boosting your immune system. Well, the same holds true for your dog — regular walking provides a suite of physical health benefits, an important fact considering that 50% of the dogs in America are overweight, according to a national veterinary group.  Walking also provides emotional and mental health benefits to your dog — in fact, there is nothing your dog would rather do (except eating) than join their best buddy on a walk!      

Dog friendly parks can be conveniently broken into two categories depending on your and your pet’s desired experience and interest: Leashed dog parks — those allowing dogs but require them to be leashed, typically larger parks open for other uses such as Blydenburgh County Park, and fenced-in dog parks — parks created exclusively for dogs where they can run and play off-leash and unrestrained within a fenced-in area with other dogs. 

Given all these parks where dogs can roam and romp, there are plenty of places to explore and enjoy the outdoors with your fur-covered friend. Enjoy the time with your pet but don’t forget the leash, poop bags, water and, of course, some dog cookies.  

Leashed Dog Parks

Leashed dogs are permitted in a number of state, county, and town-owned parks as well as several privately-owned parks. Here are some really special ones you and your dog are sure to enjoy.

Arthur Kunz County Park

Landing Avenue, Smithtown 

631-854-4949

This is an undeveloped county park on the west side of the Nissequogue River, named in honor of a past Suffolk County Planning Director. The park offers numerous sweeping views of the Nissequogue River. Heavily forested with a few small streams that run through it to the river, it contains an abundance of tulip trees, a straight and tall tree that can grow to majestic proportions. Access is from a small parking area along the road where Landing Avenue performs a sharp turn to the right approximately 1,500 feet from its intersection with St. Johnland Road. Instead of making the sharp right, stay straight and you’ll see a small wooden sign on your left identifying the park. 

Avalon Park & Preserve

200 Harbor Road, Stony Brook

631-689-0619

Privately run, this well-attended preserve straddles Shep Jones Lane. Popular features include a labyrinth and the Cartas Al Cielo (Letters to God) stainless ball sculpture by artist Alicia Framis. Ecologically it is quite diverse with numerous fields, well developed forests of beech, hickory, oak, and black birch, and frontage on Stony Brook Mill Pond, where you can see the nests of Double-crested Cormorants adorning the trees. A series of hiking trails meander through both the eastern and western sections of the preserve, rising and falling as the paths traverse the rolling terrain. Parking is either along Harbor Road near the Stony Brook Grist Mill or in the parking lots along Shep Jones Lane. Please note the park is closed on Mondays.

Blydenburgh County Park

Veterans Memorial Highway, Smithtown

631-854-3712

This large county park surrounds and includes Stump Pond (also known as Blydenburgh Lake). If you are adventurous, you can walk around the pond and in so doing will pass through some beautiful extensive forests and low lying swampy areas. The Blydenburgh National Historic District, encompassing eight structures, including a grist mill, is situated in the northwestern section of the park. It also has a fenced-in dog park. The northern entrance can be accessed from New Mill Road which intersects with Brooksite Drive. The southern access point is through an entrance road from State Route 347 across from the Hauppauge County Center. 

Chandler Estate Park

233 N. Country Road, Mt. Sinai 

631-854-4949

This 40-acre Suffolk County-owned preserve is situated on the southern edge of Mount Sinai Harbor. The park is laced with trails but given its small size you can’t really get lost. Pass through a metal gate and within a short distance will have the choice to at a fork in the trail. If you stay straight it will take you more quickly to the edge of the harbor. The trail to the right leads east and a smaller trail to your left will take you north toward the harbor too. This park is a small gem that is definitely worth getting to know better. Access to the park is gained through the parking lot of the Mt. Sinai Congregational Church situated near the corner of the cemetery.

Cordwood Landing County Park

Landing Avenue, Miller Place

631-854-4949

This 70-acre nature preserve located in Miller Place was formerly Camp Barstow, a Girl Scout camp. It was named to reflect the cordwood industry which was an important economic driver in the mid-to-late nineteenth century in Suffolk County. The main path leads to the more than 1000 feet of beach front. If you want a more circuitous walk through this heavily forested preserve dominated by oaks, hickories, birch and beech, there is a trail that meanders through the preserve’s eastern portion before following the top of the bluff that fronts on Long Island Sound. This section of the trail provides breathtaking views of the Sound and shoreline. 

Forsythe Meadow County Park

52 Hollow Road, Stony Brook

631-854-4949

A 34-acre preserve that sits above the Stony Brook Village Center, the County’s Forsythe Meadow/Nora Bredes Preserve has a 1.2 mile circular trail that loops through the meadows and woodlands of the preserve. The diversity of habitats makes it a good place to see birds, butterflies, deer and other wildlife. A few breaks in the forest canopy provide views of Stony Brook Harbor in the winter. Access is via a stone lined road, next to the county park sign, off of Hollow Road.  

Frank Melville Memorial Park

1 Old Field Road, Setauket 

631-689-6146

The “Central Park” of Setauket, the privately-run 24-acre park was dedicated in 1937 to the memory of Frank Melville Jr., father of local philanthropist Ward Melville. This community treasure consists of forested land adjacent to the southern end of Conscience Bay. The scenic pond, bracketed by two stone bridges, is the central attraction of the park and countless visitors like to walk around the pond on the paved trail that circles it. A simulated grist mill is adjacent to the northern bridge and the vantage point from this bridge offers a panoramic view of the Bay. This park is easily reached either by accessing Bates Road off of Main Street near the village green in Setauket, or park in one of the designated parking spaces on Main Street adjacent to the Setauket Post Office. 

Heckscher Park

2 Prime Ave., Huntington

631-351-3089

Heckscher Park, the Town of Huntington’s “Central Park”, of which it appears to represent a small-scale version, is pretty! A small lake, situated in the northwestern portion of the park, provides habitat for turtles and a variety of waterbirds including ducks, swans and geese. A number of paved trails, including one around the lake, are laid out through the park. When tired, you and your pet can rest in the large grassy sections and enjoy manicured gardens. Parking is provided along the south side of Madison Avenue.

Makamah Nature Preserve

Fort Salonga Road, Fort Salonga

631- 854-4949

Another undeveloped, yet beautiful, preserve laced with hiking trails, Makamah Nature Preserve is part of the Crab Meadow watershed and, adjoining the Town of Huntington-owned Crab Meadow Golf Course and marshland area, forms more than 500 acres of contiguous preserved open space. The property, which was acquired by Suffolk County in 1973, is heavily forested, dominated by oaks, several hickory species, black birch,with spicebush growing in the understory. IThe main loop trail that runs around the edge of the preserve (there are quite a few interior trails that can complicate your walk so it’s best to bring a trail map) provides great views of the stream valley to the east which flows into the marsh and at one vantage point offers a panoramic view of the Crab Meadow Marsh. Access to the property is from a parking lot that fronts on State Route 25A, a little bit west of its intersection with Makamah Road. 

Port Jefferson Public Beach

East Broadway, Port Jefferson

631-473-4724

Located on the west side of Port Jefferson Harbor, this well-known dog park and beach is a great place for your pet to get some exercise while providing pretty views of the harbor for the enjoyment of the dog’s two-legged companions. It is a bit tricky to get to. It is located north of the main section of Harborfront Park, so drive in the main access road to the park, driving past the Village Center and Bayles Boat Shop and, finally, past the numerous parking spaces on your right. When you reach a fork bear left and go straight and you’ll see the elongated parking lot for the beach. 

Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail 

631-689-0225

This 5.1 mile long Setauket to Port Jefferson Station Greenway trail provides a scenic path connecting these two communities together. Along the way, on this slightly undulating paved path, you’ll pass by occasional open areas and fields, as well as dense forests dominated by various oak, hickory and other trees. The trail crosses over numerous roads including Gnarled Hollow Road, Old Town Road, and Sheep Pasture Road, and along your journey you can contemplate how and why they got their names. Access to the Greenway is available from both its ends. The western terminus is accessed through the parking lot situated on Limroy Lane, off of Route 25A while the eastern end at Clifton Place is gained through the elongated parking lot on the west side of State Route 112 across from its intersection with Hallock Lane. 

Thomas Muratore Park at Farmingville Hills

501 Horseblock Road, Farmingville

631-854-4949

This heavily wooded undeveloped 105-acre park was purchased by the county in the 1980s as a part of the Open Space Preservation Act. The 105-acre park officially opened to the public in May of 2010 and was renamed in memory of Leg. Tom Muratore in April of this year. Approximately 1.2 miles of hiking trails, consisting of two loops, weave among the forest that is rolling in nature, containing elevations that reach as high as 270 feet above sea level. Two historic structures managed by the Farmingville Historical Society — the 1850 Greek Revival School House and the Terry House, built in 1823 — are found in the southeastern section of the park. There is parking for about a dozen vehicles. 

West Hills County Park 

181 Sweet Hollow Road, Huntington 

631-854-4423

This is a large park situated on the highest section of the Ronkonkoma Moraine, the row of hills formed by the third of four glaciers that advanced during the Ice Age which shaped and created Long Island. In fact, Jayne’s Hill, the highest point on Long Island, topping out at the nose-bleed elevation of 401 feet (actually the height has never been precisely determined with heights as low as 383 feet and high as 414 feet being stated), is situated in the northeastern corner of the park. On top there is a boulder containing a plaque in which Walt Whitman’s well-known piece “Paumanok” is inscribed, a poem which in such a distilled way captures the essence of Long Island. The Walt Whitman Trail, a loop which connects Whitman’s birthplace with the county park and Jayne’s Hill, is about 3.6 miles long — a nice hike for a morning or afternoon. Jayne’s Hill is reached off of Reservoir Road while additional access is off of Sweet Hollow Road and High Hold Drive. 

Fenced-in Parks

There are several smaller, fenced-in parks where your dog can romp off-leash, socializing and playing with other dogs. The Town of Brookhaven, for example, has established several dog parks, the two closest fenced-in parks being the Middle Island Dog Park, 1075 Middle Country Road, Middle Island and the Selden Dog Park, 100 Boyle Road, Selden. A Pooch Pass  from the town is required. Likewise, the Town of Smithtown has a fenced-in dog park at Charles P. Toner Park, 148 Smithtown Blvd. in Nesconset. 

Suffolk County maintains several established, fenced-in dog parks too, situated within larger county parks located in the northern half of Suffolk County. Two popular ones are the dog parks at West Hills and Blydenburgh County Parks

A resident of Setauket, author John Turner is conservation chair of the Four Harbors Audubon Society, author of “Exploring the Other Island: A Seasonal Nature Guide to Long Island,” president of Alula Birding & Natural History Tours and pens a monthly column for TBR News Media titled Nature Matters.

This article originally appeared in TBR News Media’s 2022 Harvest Times supplement.

 

 

Cut down on late night snacking to avoid GERD. METRO photo
Increased fiber and exercise improve symptoms

By David Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

After a large meal, many people suffer from occasional heartburn and regurgitation, where stomach contents flow backward up the esophagus. This reflux happens when the lower esophageal sphincter, the valve between the stomach and esophagus, inappropriately relaxes. No one is quite sure why it happens with some people and not others. Many incidences of reflux are physiologic (normal functioning), especially after a meal, and doesn’t require medical treatment (1).

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), on the other hand, is long-lasting and more serious, affecting as much as 28 percent of the U.S. population (2). This is one reason pharmaceutical firms give it so much attention, lining our drug store shelves with over-the-counter and prescription solutions.

GERD risk factors range from lifestyle — obesity, smoking and diet — to medications, like calcium channel blockers and antihistamines. Other medical conditions, like hiatal hernia and pregnancy, also contribute (3). Dietary triggers can also play a role. They can include spicy, salty, or fried foods, peppermint, and chocolate.

One study showed that both smoking and salt consumption added to the risk of GERD significantly (4). Risk increased 70 percent in people who smoked. Surprisingly, people who used table salt regularly saw the same increased risk as seen with smokers.

Let’s examine available treatments and ways to reduce your risk.

Evaluate medication options

The most common and effective medications for treating GERD are H2 receptor blockers (e.g., Zantac and Tagamet), which partially block acid production, and proton pump inhibitors (e.g., Nexium and Prevacid), which almost completely block acid production (5). Both classes of medicines have two levels: over-the-counter and prescription strength. Let’s focus on proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), for which just over 90 million prescriptions are written every year in the U.S. (6).

The most frequently prescribed PPIs include Prilosec (omeprazole) and Protonix (pantoprazole). Studies show they are effective with short-term use in treating Helicobacter pylori-induced peptic ulcers, GERD symptoms, and gastric ulcer prophylaxis associated with NSAID use (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.) as well as upper gastrointestinal bleeds.

Most of the data in the package inserts is based on short-term studies lasting weeks, not years. The landmark study supporting long-term use approval was only one year. However, maintenance therapy usually continues over many years.

Side effects that have occurred after years of use include increased risk of bone fractures and calcium malabsorption; Clostridium difficile, a bacterial infection in the intestines; potential vitamin B12 deficiencies; and weight gain (7).

Understand PPI risks

The FDA warned that patients who use PPIs may be at increased risk of a bacterial infection called C. difficile. This is a serious infection that occurs in the intestines and requires treatment with antibiotics. Unfortunately, it only responds to a few antibiotics and that number is dwindling. In the FDA’s meta-analysis, 23 of 28 studies showed increased risk of infection. Patients need to contact their physicians if they develop diarrhea when taking PPIs and the diarrhea doesn’t improve (8).

Suppressing stomach acid over long periods can also result in malabsorption issues. In a study where PPIs were associated with B12 malabsorption, it usually took at least three years’ duration to cause this effect. While B12 was not absorbed properly from food, PPIs did not affect B12 levels from supplementation (9). If you are taking a PPI chronically, have your B12 and methylmalonic acid (a metabolite of B12) levels checked and discuss supplementation with your physician. Before stopping PPIs, consult your physician. Rebound hyperacidity (high acid produced) can result from stopping them abruptly.

Increase fiber and exercise

A number of modifications can improve GERD, such as raising the head of the bed about six inches, not eating prior to bedtime and obesity treatment, to name a few (10). In the study that quantified the risks of smoking and salt, fiber and exercise both had the opposite effect, reducing GERD risk (5). An analysis by Journal Watch suggests that the fiber effect may be due to its ability to reduce nitric oxide production, a relaxant for the lower esophageal sphincter (11).

Manage weight

In one study that examined obesity’s role in GERD exacerbation, researchers showed that obesity increases pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter significantly (12). Intragastric (within the stomach) pressures were higher in both overweight and obese patients on inspiration and on expiration, compared to those with normal body mass index.

Avoid late night eating

One of the most powerful modifications we can make to avoid GERD is among the simplest. A study showed a 700 percent increased risk of GERD for those who ate within three hours of bedtime, compared to those who ate four hours or more prior to bedtime (13). Therefore, it is best to not eat right before bed and to avoid “midnight snacks.” While drugs have their place in the arsenal of options to treat GERD, lifestyle changes are the first, safest, and most effective approach in many instances. 

References: 

(1) Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 1996;25(1):75. (2) Gut. 2014 Jun; 63(6):871-80. (3) emedicinehealth.com. (4) Gut 2004 Dec; 53:1730-1735. (5) Gastroenterology. 2008;135(4):1392. (6) Kane SP. Proton Pump Inhibitor, ClinCalc DrugStats Database, Version 2022.08. Updated August 24, 2022. Accessed October 11, 2022. (7) World J Gastroenterol. 2009;15(38):4794–4798. (8) www.FDA.gov. (9) Linus Pauling Institute; lpi.oregonstate.edu. (10) Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:965-971. (11) JWatch Gastro. Feb. 16, 2005. (12) Gastroenterology 2006 Mar; 130:639-649. (13) Am J Gastroenterol. 2005 Dec;100(12):2633-2636.

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.

Wizzie

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

 

Hollie

 

Meet Hollie – UPDATE: HOLLIE HAS BEEN ADOPTED!

This beautiful and affectionate 10-year-old girl arrived at the Smithtown Animal Shelter as a stray. She had suffered long term bilateral ear infections that caused her heavy scarring of her outer ears, severe thickening of her ear canals, hearing loss and incredible pain. The hard decision was made to remove both of her ears to let her know a pain free existence. Hollie went through the first surgery like a champ, never stopping her undying affection for everyone. She will have her second surgery shortly, and then will be ready for her home. She is social with other cats and all people. As a result of the surgery, Hollie may temporarily or permanently lose her ability to blink one or both eyes (only time will tell), so a potential home will have to be able to lubricate her eyes several times a day for her.  631-360-7575

Lucy

Meet Lucy

Currently at the Brookaven Animal Shelter, this spunky girl is looking for a second chance. Lucy has been at the shelter multiple times in the past few years. Her owner decided not to pick her up this time. Lucy is a sweet girl who really just wants to be with you at your side and enjoy all that life has to offer. At seven years young and a petit 37 pounds, she is playful, energetic and outgoing, knows how to sit and is very treat motivated. Lucy has done well with dogs at the shelter and is completely uninterested in cats. She would do best with children over 12 years old. 631-631-451-6950.

Wizzie

Meet Wizzie

Wizzie is a handsome 5-year-old male at Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton who loves back scratches but can be a little shy at times. Don’t let that stop you from adopting him; once he’s settled in a home he will come out of his shell. This shelter life is just not for him! Come meet him today! 631-727-5731, ext. 1

Kuno

Meet Kuno

Strike a pose! This sweet two-year-old Chesapeake Bay Retriever/Doberman Pinscher mix was rescued from a high-kill shelter in Georgia and is now safe at Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton. Kuno is a well mannered and very handsome boy who loves the camera. Come meet him today! 631-727-5731, ext. 1

Meet Charm

Just look at that face! This lovely senior is Charm, currently up for adoption at Little Shelter in Huntington. Charm loves to be pet and will meow at you until you give her some attention and much needed love. She is also a very good eater; she loves her wet food and treats. So if you’re looking for a cat who’s a little older and just wants to be loved then Charm is your girl. 631-368-8770, ext. 36

Clark

Meet Clark

The cool kid on the block, meet Clark, a six-year-old Terrier mix waiting at Little Shelter in Huntington for his furever home. Though having little opportunity for socialization in his previous environment, he displays an innate sense of confidence and an outgoing personality, clearly pronouncing himself ready for adoption! This clever fellow knows how to win friends, influence people, and make himself indispensable! Once you meet him, you’ll be bowled over by his enthusiasm for life and his capacity to love. 631-368-8770, ext. 21

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

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

 

HUNTINGTON'S STORY The Huntington Militia will present a Fall Muster at the Arsenal Museum on Oct. 16 in conjunction with the Huntington Historical Society's annual Apple Festival. Both events, which are directly across from each other on Park Avenue, are free. File photo by Victoria Espinoza/TBR News Media
Ongoing

Dark Night Halloween World

Long Island Community Hospital Amphitheater, 1 Ski Run Lane, Farmingville hosts the 2nd annual Dark Night Halloween World, an outdoor extravaganza combining moderate scares with comedy that at the same time celebrates the nostalgia of vintage haunted trails through a post-modern twist on inspired characters from pop culture and horror movies of the 1990s, on multiple days through Oct. 31 from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person, $35 VIP front of the line.Visit www.DarkNightLI.com to order..

Thursday October 13

Historic Walking Tour & Pub Crawl

The Huntington Historical Society hosts its last  Historic Walking Tour & Pub Crawl of the year beginning at the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Building, Main Street, Huntington at 6 p.m. Led by Town of Huntington Historian, Robert C. Hughes, this walking tour will guide you through the notable buildings and events in the history of Huntington Village. Along the way participants will stop at local establishments, (with a great history or in a historic building) to enjoy some refreshment before continuing the tour. $25 per person, $20 members (drinks not included). To register, call 427-7045 or visit  www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

Author Talk

Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, 120 Main St., Setauket will present Stories Light and Dark: An Evening of Jewish Noir from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Join author Kenneth Wishnia and other contributors for a spirited discussion of the diverse themes in the Jewish Noir II anthology. Copies of the book will be available for sale at the event, plus a bonus story collection offered free with each purchase. To register, please call 941-4080. 

Halloween Costume Party

Join the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport for its first Night at the Museum Halloween Costume Party from 7 to 10 p.m. Featuring music from DJ Stephen Lombardo, Halloween trivia, raffles and costume prizes, tarot card readings and more. PLUS, a special appearance by Northport artist Nicolas Bruno, who will discuss his Somnia Tarot project, featured this October in the museum’s Pop-Up Exhibit space. For ages 21 and older. $13 per person. Register at www.northporthistorical.org.

Vanderbilt lecture

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport will host a presentation titled “Becoming Wild” at 7 p.m. Ecologist and author Carl Safina will speak on the dynamics of animal intelligence and the cultural lives of animals based on his years of field research and from his acclaimed 2020 book Becoming Wild: How Animal Cultures Raise Families, Create Beauty, and Achieve Peace. Tickets are $10 per person at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org. 

Friday October 14

Harbor Haunts walking tour

The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor kicks off its Harbor Haunts walking tours tonight at 6 p.m. and Oct. 15 at 4:30 p.m. Explore Cold Spring Harbor’s ghostly side with fascinating tales of mishaps and historic hauntings on Main Street. Other dates include Oct. 21, 22, 23, 28 and 29. Recommended for adults and ages 8+. Held rain or shine. Fee is ​$12 adults, $8 children. To order, visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org. Call 367-3418 for more info.

Deepwells Haunted Mansion

Just in time for Halloween, the Deepwells Farm Historical Society transforms the historic Deepwells Mansion, 2 Taylor Lane, St. James into Deepwells Sanitarium, Home for the Criminally Insane tonight, Oct. 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29 from 7 to 10 p.m. Featuring 16 rooms of horror, wooded trail of terror, food vendors, photo-ops and more. Advance tickets are $20 per person at www.deepwellshauntedmansion.com, $30 at the door. Call 862-2808.

Smithtown Contradance – just added!

The Long Island Traditional Music Association (LITMA) invites the community to a Contradance at the Frank Brush Barn on the grounds of the Smithtown Historical Society, 211 East Main St., Smithtown at 7:30 p.m. with basic instruction at 7:15 p.m. Featuring Chart Guthrie calling with music by Dance All Night. $15 general admission, $10 members, students half price, children under 16 FREE with paid adult. Visit www.litma.org.

An evening of opera

After a two year hiatus, Opera Night Long Island will resume its monthly program tonight at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 270 Main Street, Northport with an Open Mic Night at 7:30 p.m.. Ten  artists will perform arias from popular operas, including Il Trovatore, Lakme, and Marriage of Figaro. The program will also include performances of art songs and numbers from musical theater. Admission is a $10 donation at the door. Visit www.operanight.org.  

Macy Kate heads to SBU

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook welcomes singer Macy Kate to Recital Hall at 8 p.m. Macy Kate’s soulful, sweet, and smoky voice launched her to fame at 16, when she appeared on ABC’s Rising Star. Her sultry sound packs so much power that Flo Rida signed her to IMG Records and brought her on his worldwide G.D.F.R. tour. A true, bonafide star in the making, Kate’s powerhouse voice coupled with her confessional, self-effacing lyrics make for the perfect combination of down-to-earth and out-of-this-stratosphere. Tickets range from $50 to $58. To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.

Saturday October 15

Harbor Haunts walking tour

See Oct. 14 listing.

Deepwells Haunted Mansion

See Oct. 14 listing.

Octoberfest

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 716 Route 25A, Rocky Point invites the community to its annual Octoberfest from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Featuring a craft fair, delicious food and desserts, bake sale & special activities for children. Call 744-9355 for more information.

Outdoor Country Auction 

Going once, going twice, sold! The Historical Society of Greater Port Jefferson will hold its 34th annual outdoor Country Auction on the grounds of the Mather House Museum, 115 Prospect St., Port Jefferson at 9:30 a.m. with a preview at 9 a.m. Items this year include assorted shelf & wall clocks,  Moroccan Carpet w/tassels, Aubusson rug, gold & diamond jewelry, framed botanicals, chandeliers & sconces, antique garden tools, signs, farm items, mirrors, 1850s side chairs, quilts and many more unique items. Free parking at school parking lot on High Street. Lunch available for purchase. Rain or shine. Call 473-2665 or visit www.portjeffhistorical.org.

Miller Place Country Fair

The Miller Place-Mount Sinai Historical Society will host its annual Country Fair on the grounds of the William Miller House, 75 North Country Road Miller Place today and Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The two day event will feature basket weaving, open hearth cooking, pottery making, wampum bead making, Colonial and Victorian games, a Reolutionary War encampment and much more. $5 donation includes a tour of the historic William Miller House (c. 1720). Call 476-5742 or visit www.mpmshistoricalsociety.org.

Old Burying Ground tour

Join the Huntington Historical Society for an Old Burying Ground walking tour at 4 p.m. Established soon after the Town’s 1653 founding, Huntington’s earliest public burying ground features stunning folk art and beautiful epitaphs honoring Huntington’s residents and rich history. Tour begins at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building, 228 Main St., Huntington. Tickets are $15 adults, $5 children. For reservations, visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

Saturdays at Six concert

All Souls Church, 61 Main St., Stony Brook continues its Saturdays at Six concert series with a performance by Lost in Staller, a group of Stony Brook University graduate student musicians who “strive to bring back the dance aspect of jazz and to make sure that groove never stops,” at 6 p.m. The band includes bass, keyboard, guitar, drums, trombone, and saxophone. Lost in Staller will be playing a mix of funk music and jazz standards and pop tunes in their own style, and will include music from Vulfpeck, Stevie Wonder, Duke Ellington, and Cole Porter. Free. Call 655-7798.

A Psychic Evening

Ronkonkoma Fire Department, 177 Portion Road, Ronkonkoma presents An Evening with Psychic Medium Jeffrey Wands fundraiser from 7 to 9 p.m. Come for an intimate evening of up close and personal gallery style readings. $40 per person. Tickets are available at www.brownpapertickets.com. 

The Godfathers of Comedy

In partnership with Governer’s Comedy Club, the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown presents an evening of stand-up comedy at 8 p.m. Featuring headliner Joey Kola, Eric Tartaglione, Debbie D Amore and Mario Bosco. Tickets are $45 and includes an open bar of beer and wine. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

Sunday October 16

Miller Place Country Fair

See Oct. 15 listing.

Elks Community Yard Sale

Love yard sales? The Port Jefferson Elks Lodge, 41 Horseblock Road, Centereach hosts a Community Yard Sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come shop for treasures all in one spot! Call 928-2138.

Porsche Car Show just added!

The rained-out October 2 show by the Porsche Club of America (Metropolitan New York) at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport has been rescheduled for today from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets for the original date are valid.  Cars will be displayed on the estate grounds with a spectacular view of Northport Bay. Visitors pay only general Museum admission. There is no extra charge to attend the car shows. Adults $10; seniors (62 plus) and students with ID $9; children 12 and under $7. Visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org or call 854-5579.

Huntington Apple Festival

The annual Apple Festival is back on the grounds of the Dr. Daniel Kissam House, 434 Park Ave., Huntington from noon to 4 p.m., courtesy of the Huntington Historical Society. Enjoy traditional games, a magic show, pumpkin painting, seasonal crafts, live music, fall foods, house tours and historical demonstrations by costumed interpreters. The Museum Shop will also be open. Free admission. Call 427-7045.

Fall Muster at the Arsenal

The Huntington Militia will present a Fall Muster at the Huntington Arsenal, 425 Park Avenue, Huntington during the Huntington Apple Festival from noon to 4 p.m. See history come to life as the militia recreates a typical 1775 militia muster at the Arsenal and Village Green. See musket and cannon firings, 18th century crafts, trades, music and cooking. Free. Call 223-8017.

Northport Walking Tour

Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport hosts a walking tour titled Parading Through Main Street at 1:30 p.m. Tour guide Dan Sheehan makes the past come alive during this lively and informative tour of Northport’s historic Main Street business district. $7 per person. To register, visit www.northporthistorical.org.

Monday October 17

TVHS lecture

The Three Village Historical Society continues its lecture series at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket and via Zoom at 7 p.m. with Mafia Spies: The Inside Story of the CIA, Gangster, JFK and Castro. Author Thomas Maier will discuss his latest book which shows how the CIA recruited two gangsters to assassinate Cuban leader Fidel Castro during the Cold War. Moderated by TVHS Director Mari Irizarry. Suggested donation. To register, visit www.tvhs.org or call 751-3730.

Tuesday October 18

SHS Fall lecture

The Smithtown Historical Society concludes its Fall lecture series with “Death By Fire and Ice: The Steamboat Lexington Calamity,” with author Brian O’Connor at the Frank Brush Barn, 211 E. Main St., Smithtown at 7 p.m. O’Connor will discuss his new book, which tells the story of the steamboat Lexington that caught fire and sank on Long Island Sound in January 1840, with approximately 147 people on board. The tragedy remains the worst maritime disaster in the history of the Sound. Light refreshments will be served. Free but registration required at www.eventbrite.com. For more info, call 265-6768.

Emerson String Quartet concert

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook presents the world-renowned Emerson String Quartet in concert in the Recital Hall at 7 p.m. Program will include Mendelssohn’s String Quartet No. 1 in E-flat major, Op. 12; Alban Berg’s String Quartet Op.3; and Dvorak’s No. 14 in A b major, Op. 105. Tickets range from $52 to $60. To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.

Wednesday October 19

Dwight Gooden heads to CAC

Join the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington for an intimate evening with legendary Cy Young Award-winning Mets and Yankees pitcher Dwight Gooden, featuring a conversation with the beloved baseball star that will include questions from the audience. This will be followed by a Meet & Greet, Autograph Session, and a Photo Op. Every attendee will receive an 8×10 color Mets or Yankees photo, and can bring one additional item to be autographed. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to meet a true New York sports legend, and a man who has overcome adversity to demonstrate the power of redemption. Tickets are $60 at www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Thursday October 20

Outreach bus heads to Setauket

The Catholic Health Community Outreach Bus will be at Emma S. Clark Memorial Library parking lot, 120 Main St., Setauket from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Registered nurses will provide blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index, and glucose screenings along with patient education and referrals as needed. Free flu vaccinations will be offered by a registered nurse. The last screening will begin at 1:45 p.m. No appointments are necessary, there are no fees, and insurance is not required. Bo registration necessary. Call 941-4080.

Theater

‘Guys and Dolls’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson kicks off its 52nd season with Guys and Dolls from Sept. 17 to Oct. 22. Considered the perfect musical of Broadway’s Golden Age, this delightful romp gambles in luck and love from Times Square to Havana. High rollers and low characters from Damon Runyon’s mythical New York are joyously presented in Frank Loesser’s bold and brassy score, featuring “Luck Be a Lady,” “I’ve Never Been in Love Before,” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” An award-winning classic for the entire family! Tickets are $35 adults, $28 senior and students, $20 children ages 5 and up. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Mystic Pizza’

Up next at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport is the new musical comedy, Mystic Pizza, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 30. Based on the classic 1988 movie starring Julia Roberts, Mystic Pizza charts the lives and loves of three unforgettable waitresses in the harbor town of Mystic, CT. Add in some of the best pop songs of the ‘80s and ‘90s such as “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” “Addicted To Love,” “Small Town,” “Hold On,” and “Take My Breath Away,” and you have all the ingredients for a romantic comedy–with the works! Tickets range from $80 to $85. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘The Lightning Thief’

The Smithtown Performing Arts Center presents The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical  from Sept. 30 to Oct. 29. As the half-blood son of a Greek god, Percy Jackson has newly-discovered powers he can’t control, a destiny he doesn’t want, and a mythology textbook’s worth of monsters on his trail. When Zeus’s master lightning bolt is stolen and Percy becomes the prime suspect, he has to find and return the bolt to prove his innocence and prevent a war between the gods. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the thief. He must travel to the Underworld and back; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and come to terms with the father who abandoned him. Adapted from the best-selling book by Rick Riordan and featuring a thrilling original rock score, The Lightning Thief is an action-packed mythical adventure “worthy of the gods” Tickets are $40, $35 seniors, $25 students. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org. 

Film

‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’

The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington presents the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Oct. 15 at 9:30 p.m. shadowcast with the ZEN Room. Sweethearts Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon), stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry), a transvestite scientist. Prop bags will be available the night of the show! Tickets are $20, $15 members. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Catch a screening of ‘Nosferatu’ at the Cinema Arts Centre on Oct. 18. Photo from CAC

‘Nosferatu’

In honor of the spookiest season, the Cinema Arts Center, 423 Park Ave., Huntington presents a screening of Nosferatu, one of the most important horror films of the silent era and one of the first vampire movies, on Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m. The event will feature a live score by The Invincible Czars and costumes are encouraged. Tickets are $25, $20 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Vendors Wanted

Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook seeks craft vendors for its Holiday Night Market on Dec. 10 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. For further information, call 631-588-5024.

The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor seeks vendors selling antique, vintage and/or retro items for its Antiques & More event on Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $50 donation to the museum for a 10 x 10 foot space. Call 631-367-3418

Have an event you would like to share? Send your calendar listings to [email protected]

 

'Rabbit Rabbit,' colored pencil by Margaret Minardi of Northpor

Currently on view at the Heckscher Museum of Art in Huntington is the 2022 Long Island Biennial, a prestigious juried exhibition featuring works by contemporary artists from Suffolk and Nassau Counties. 

Now in its seventh edition, the Biennial presents a cross section of Long Island contemporary art. “The public will enjoy learning more about the most recent work of the Long Island’s established and emerging artists,” said The Heckscher Museum’s Curator, Dr. Karli Wurzelbacher. 

“I am especially impressed by the ways in which many of the artists engaged with the concerns of our time, from social justice, to health, to ecology; and appreciate those who brought new approaches to traditional materials and techniques,” she said. 

This year’s exhibit encompasses a remarkable variety of media, with styles spanning abstraction to hyperrealism. “Contemporary art has been essential to the Museum since its founding more than 100 years ago,” said Heather Arnet, Executive Director & CEO. “We remain committed to sharing inspiring and thought-provoking new art with our visitors.”

The Museum received 732 artist entries, with jurors Heather Carter, Gabriela Gonzalez Dellosso, and Susan Van Scoy selecting 95 works for exhibition. 

Five exhibiting artists were designated as Award of Merit winners including Darlene Blaurock of Wantagh; Neil Leinwohl or Rockville Centre; Patricia Maurides of Sag Harbor; Margaret Minardi of Northport; and Kasmira Mohanty of Farmingville.

A diverse program of events will coincide with the exhibition. Long Island Biennial artists will be in the galleries on Oct. 16, Nov. 6, Nov. 30, Dec. 4 and Dec. 11 from 1 to 3 p.m. Meet the artists behind the artwork., free with admission.

In addition, the museum will host a Biennial Open Studios Day featuring artists Edward Acosta, Sally Edelstein, Mike Krasowitz, William Low, and Gina Mars on Oct. 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hop from one studio to the next for behind-the-scenes access and learn about a variety of media and techniques. Tickets to this event are $25 per person with registration required at www.heckscher.org.  

In conjunction with Hispanic Heritage Month, the museum will host a free Dual Language Family Hour with Educators Tami Wood and Karini Gaminez on Oct. 16 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Children ages 5 to 10 will enjoy a family art experience in both Spanish and English. 

Visitors may also take part in an ongoing Mini Audio Tour of Long Island Biennial by artist and Biennial juror Gabriela Gonzalez Dellosso featuring an audio tour of selected works in the exhibition in both Spanish and English.

Sponsored by Robin T. Hadley and the Cunniff Family, the 2022 Long Island Biennial will be on view at the Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington through Jan. 22, 2023. For more information, call 631-380-3230 or visit www.heckscher.org. 

THE MAKING OF A LEGEND Catch a screening of ‘John Monteleone: The Chisels Are Calling’ at the Cinema Arts Centre on Oct. 8. Photo from CAC
Thursday Oct. 6

Women’s EXPO

Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach presents its 22nd annual Women’s EXPO from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. A showcase and a marketplace for Long Island women entrepreneurs, the indoor event will feature over 80 exhibitors who create or distribute a variety of products, including jewelry, pottery, soaps, food and more. The indoor event is a great opportunity to support local women entrepreneurs while shopping for holiday gift giving. Free admission. Call 585-9393, ext. 296 or visit www.womensexpoli.org. 

Fall Art Crawl

Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook will host a guided exhibition tour of campus galleries from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Tour the Charles B. Wang Center, the Zuccaire Gallery, the Alloway Gallery, the Central Reading Room, and the Simons Center Gallery, visiting each for about 30 minutes. Call 632-7240.

Friday Oct. 7

Columbus Weekend Fair

The Farmingdale Fire Department, 361 Main  St., Farmingdale will hold its annual Columbus Weekend Carnival today from  5 to 11 p.m. Oct 8 and 9 from  noon to 11 p.m. and noon to 7 p.m. on Oct. 10. The event will also feature a street fair along Main Street on Oct. 8 and 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., live music and  a parade on Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. For more information, call 516-249-3710.

Long Island Fall Festival

Time to celebrate the season! The Long Island Fall Festival returns to Heckscher Park, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington for Columbus Day weekend today from 5 to 10 p.m., Oct 8 and 9 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Oct. 10 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Brought to you by the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Huntington, the event will feature carnival rides, live music, beer garden, international food court and over 300 vendors on Saturday and Sunday. Free admission. Call 423-6100. 

Peking Acrobats heads to SBU

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook welcomes the Peking Acrobats featuring The Shanghai Circus on the Main Stage at 7 p.m. Combining time-honored Chinese music and groundbreaking special effects to create an environment that mirrors the festive pageantry of a Chinese Carnival, The Peking Acrobats are set to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime evening of exuberant entertainment. Tickets range from $39 to $68. To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.

Saturday Oct. 8

Columbus Weekend Fair

See Oct. 7 listing.

Long Island Fall Festival

See Oct. 7 listing.

Fall Fair and Car Show

St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, 29 Brooksite Drive, Smithtown will hold its annual Fall Fair and Car Show from 10 to 4 p.m. with vendors, pumpkin patch, food, basket raffles, music and a car show by the North Fork Cruisers Car Association. Rain date is Oct. 15. For more info, call 631-265-4520 to obtain an application.

Raptor Day at the Vanderbilt

Raptor Day: The Bald Eagles of Centerport will be presented at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. This one-of-a-kind event will feature a live exhibit of rescued raptors, with a bald eagle, golden eagle, owls and  hawks along with activities for children, vendors, raffles and the showing throughout the day of a short movie about the Bald Eagles of Centerport. The event, which will benefit Wildlife in Need of Rescue and Rehabilitation will be held rain or shine in the Vanderbilt Celebration Tent. The event also will support Museum programs. Tickets are $20 adults, $10 children under 12 at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Christmas in October Craft Fair

The 3rd Annual Christmas in October Village Craft Fair will be held on the grounds of the Smithtown Historical Society, 239 E. Main St., Smithtown from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring over 100 all craft all art exhibitors, refreshments and entertainment. Rain date is Oct. 15. Call 846-1459.

Fall Craft Fair

Love crafts? New Village Recreation Center, 20 Wireless Road, Centereach will host a Fall Craft Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come in to browse or buy some of the handmade crafts made by local vendors in Brookhaven. Call 451-5307.

Second Saturdays Poetry

All Souls Church in Stony Brook continues its Second Saturdays Poetry Reading via Zoom from 11 a.m. to noon. Hosted by Suffolk County Poet Laureate Richard Bronson, the .featured poet will be Joseph Stanton. An open-reading will follow the featured poet; all are welcome to read one of their own poems.  Participants can access the program through the All Souls website https://www.allsouls-stonybrook.org/ Call 655-7798.  

Fall Harvest Festival 

Bethel Hobbs Community Farm, 178 Oxhead Road, Centereach will hold its annual Fall Harvest Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy vendors, bouncy houses, tractor ride, food trucks, farm stand and more! Fun for the whole family. Free admission. Rain date is Oct. 9. Call 774-1556 or visit www.hobbsfarm.info.

World  Street Fair

The Turkish American United Coalition, Inc. and the Farmingville Hills Chamber of Commerce, Inc. hosts the 1st annual World Street Fair  at 1075 Portion Road in Farmingville from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. With over 200 international vendors selling a variety of crafts, toys, jewelry, clothing, accessories and more, attendees will be exposed to various international cultures. Free admission. Call 317-1738.

Riverhead Country Fair

Celebrate the agricultural heritage of Riverhead at the 46th annual Riverhead Country Fair in historic Downtown Riverhead from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Take time to enjoy the works of original artists, agricultural and homemaking displays and competitions, entertainers, local merchants, food, amusement rides, petting zoo, business expositions and displays, vendors and more. Call 727-1215 or visit www.riverheadcountryfair.com.

Theatre Three fundraiser

Join Theatre Three in honoring Executive Artistic Director Jeffrey Sanzel at Danfords  On the Sound, 25 East Broadway, Port Jefferson from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Enjoy cocktails, dinner, dancing and live entertainment. $150 per person. For tickets, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Dave Matthews tribute concert

JoyRide: A Dave Matthews Celebration will return to perform at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport from 7 to 10 p.m. JoyRide’s seven musicians recreate the experience of a live Dave Matthews Band (DMB) show, complete with violin and horns. Tickets: $30 in advance at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org; $40 at the door. BYO chair and picnic. Doors open at 6 p.m. Call 854-5579.

Sunday Oct. 9

Columbus Weekend Fair

See Oct. 7 listing.

Long Island Fall Festival

See Oct. 7 listing.

Old Time Baseball Game

Come cheer on the Atlantic Base Ball Club on the grounds of the Smithtown Historical Society, 211 E. Main St.., Smithtown at 11 a.m. A re-creation of the Brooklyn Atlantics, the team plays a historically accurate interpretation of the 19th century game of “base ball.” Call 265-6768 for more information.

Studebaker Car Show

The Studebaker Driver’s Club (Long Island Chapter) will show classic automotive designs in a car shows at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Cars will be displayed on the estate grounds with a spectacular view of Northport Bay. Visitors pay only general Museum admission of $10 adults, $9 seniors and students, and $7 children ages 12 and under. Call 854-5579.

Northport ArtWalk

The Northport Arts Coalition will host an ArtWalk, a free, self-guided tour of the Village of Northport to view artworks from established and emerging artists in diverse locations around the village and its picturesque harbor, from 1 to 5 p.m. Adding to the festive atmosphere will be musical performances by local performers. Visit www.northportarts.org.

Monday Oct. 10

Columbus Weekend Fair

See Oct. 7 listing.

Long Island Fall Festival

See Oct. 7 listing.

Tuesday Oct. 11

Coming Out Day 

Celebrate National Coming Out Day this year with Stony Brook Medicine at the Suffolk County Farm & Education Center, 350 Yaphank Ave., Yaphank from 4 to 7 p.m with wagon rides, pumpkin picking, crafts, face painting, costume contest, dance party, food trucks and more. Free admission. Call 852-4600.

Historical Society Lecture

The Smithtown Historical Society continues its Fall lecture series at the Frank Brush Barn, 211 E. Main St., Smithtown with a presentation titled “A Second Helping: Whining and Dining on Long Island” with Tom Schaudel, a prolific chef with over two dozen restaurants. Coffee and dessert by Osteria Umbra will be served. Free but registration is required by visiting www.eventbrite.com.

Wednesday Oct. 12

Mark Twain Show

Celebrate St. James presents a Mark Twain Show incorporating the writings of Mark Twain, performed by personator Rob Alvey, at the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 2nd St., St. James at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25, $20 seniors at www.celebratestjames.org. Call 984-0201.

CAC Open Mic Night

The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Avenue, Huntington, joins with the Folk Music Society of Huntington in presenting the NorthShore Original Open Mic (NOOM) three Wednesday nights each month in the Cinema’s Sky Room, kicking off tonight at 7 p.m. with sign-up beginning at 6:30 p.m. Free. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Thursday Oct. 13

Author Talk

Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, 120 Main St., Setauket will present Stories Light and Dark: An Evening of Jewish Noir from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Join author Kenneth Wishnia and other contributors for a spirited discussion of the diverse themes in the Jewish Noir II anthology. Copies of the book will be available for sale at the event, plus a bonus story collection offered free with each purchase. To register, please call 941-4080. See more on page B23.

Vanderbilt lecture

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport will host a presentation titled “Becoming Wild” at 7 p.m. Ecologist and author Carl Safina will speak on the dynamics of animal intelligence and the cultural lives of animals based on his years of field research and from his acclaimed 2020 book Becoming Wild: How Animal Cultures Raise Families, Create Beauty, and Achieve Peace. Tickets are $10 per person at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org. 

Film

‘In Search of Balance’

Four Harbors Audubon Society continues its Friday Movie Night series with a screening of In Search of Balance on Oct. 7 at the Smihtown Library, 1 North Country Road, Smithtown from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This inspiring film follows renowned physician, Dr. Daphne Miller, as she seeks answers on how we’ve gone so far off track, health-wise, and how we can climb back to healthy living by reconnecting to the very thing that gives us life: each other, nature, the living planet and the ecosystem. Free. Call 766-3075 or 360-2480, ext. 232 to register.

John Monteleone documentary

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington will screen John Monteleone: The Chisels Are Calling, a mesmerizing portrait of one of the world’s greatest instrument builders, on Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. This feature-length documentary looks beyond the technical aspects of lutherie and examines the life, passion, talent and unique approach John Monteleone takes to his art. With John Monteleone and filmmaker Trevor Laurence in person and featuring a live Monteleone guitar demonstration by guitarist Steve Salerno. Tickets are $20. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.

‘The Cave of Adullam’

The Port Jefferson Documentary Series continues with a screening of The Cave of Adullam at Theatre Three, 412 Main St. Port Jefferson on Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. which focuses on martial arts sensei Jason Wilson and his efforts to help often-troubled black youths from Detroit at the Cave of Adullam Transformational Training Academy that he founded in 2008. Followed by a Q&A with Director Laura Checkoway. Tickets are $10 at www.portjeffdocumentaryseries.com or at the door. 

Theater

‘Guys and Dolls’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson kicks off its 52nd season with Guys and Dolls from Sept. 17 to Oct. 22. Considered the perfect musical of Broadway’s Golden Age, this delightful romp gambles in luck and love from Times Square to Havana. High rollers and low characters from Damon Runyon’s mythical New York are joyously presented in Frank Loesser’s bold and brassy score, featuring “Luck Be a Lady,” “I’ve Never Been in Love Before,” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” An award-winning classic for the entire family! Tickets are $35 adults, $28 senior and students, $20 children ages 5 and up. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Mystic Pizza’

Up next at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport is the new musical comedy, Mystic Pizza, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 30. Based on the classic 1988 movie starring Julia Roberts, Mystic Pizza charts the lives and loves of three unforgettable waitresses in the harbor town of Mystic, CT. Add in some of the best pop songs of the ‘80s and ‘90s such as “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” “Addicted To Love,” “Small Town,” “Hold On,” and “Take My Breath Away,” and you have all the ingredients for a romantic comedy–with the works! Tickets range from $80 to $85. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘The Lightning Thief’

The Smithtown Performing Arts Center presents The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical  from Sept. 30 to Oct. 29. As the half-blood son of a Greek god, Percy Jackson has newly-discovered powers he can’t control, a destiny he doesn’t want, and a mythology textbook’s worth of monsters on his trail. When Zeus’s master lightning bolt is stolen and Percy becomes the prime suspect, he has to find and return the bolt to prove his innocence and prevent a war between the gods. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the thief. He must travel to the Underworld and back; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and come to terms with the father who abandoned him. Adapted from the best-selling book by Rick Riordan and featuring a thrilling original rock score, The Lightning Thief is an action-packed mythical adventure “worthy of the gods” Tickets are $40, $35 seniors, $25 students. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org. 

All numbers are in (631) area code unless noted.

Eczema is more common in women than it is in men. METRO photo
Treatments are continually evolving

By David Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

The causes of eczema are unknown, but it is thought that nature and nurture are both at play (1). Essentially, it is a chronic inflammatory process that involves symptoms of rashes, itching, pain and redness (2).

It’s estimated that over seven percent of the U.S. adult population suffers from eczema (3), with twice as many females as males affected (4).

While there is no cure, there are treatments its symptoms. These range from over-the-counter creams and lotions to prescription steroid creams to oral steroids and injectable biologics. Antihistamines can also be used to treat itchiness. Some use phototherapy for severe cases, but research on its effectiveness is scant. Interestingly, lifestyle, specifically diet, may play an important role.

Two separate studies have shown an association between eczema and fracture risk, which we will investigate further.

Let’s look at the evidence.

Does diet play a role?

Eczema is more common in women than it is in men. METRO photo

In a Japanese study involving over 700 pregnant women and their offspring, results showed that when the women ate either a diet high in green and yellow vegetables, beta carotene or citrus fruit there was a significant reduction in the risk of the child having eczema of 59 percent, 48 percent and 47 percent, respectively, when comparing highest to lowest consumption quartiles (5).

Elimination diets may also play a role. One study’s results showed when eggs were removed from the diet in those who were allergic, according to IgE testing, eczema improved significantly (6).

From an anecdotal perspective, I have seen very good results when treating patients who have eczema with dietary changes. My patient population includes about 15 to 20 percent of patients who suffer some level of eczema. For example, a young adult had eczema mostly on the extremities. When I first met the patient, these were angry, excoriated, erythematous and scratched lesions. However, after several months of a vegetable-rich diet, the patient’s skin significantly improved.

What about supplements?

There are two well-known supplements for helping to reduce inflammation, evening primrose oil and borage oil. Are these supplements a good replacement for – or addition to – medications? The research is really mixed, leaning toward ineffective – and with some important concerns.

In a meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trials, evening primrose oil was no better than placebo in treating eczema (7). The researchers also looked at eight studies of borage oil and found there was no difference from placebo in terms of symptom relief. While these supplements only had minor side effects in the study, they can interact with other medications. For example, evening primrose oil in combination with aspirin can cause clotting problems (8).

The upshot? Don’t expect supplements to provide significant help. If you do try them, be sure to consult with your physician first.

Biologics

Injectable biologics are among the newest treatments and are generally recommended when other treatment options have failed (9). There are two currently approved by the FDA, dupilumab and tralokinumab-ldrm, with the latter recently approved in December 2021.

In trials, these injectable drugs showed good results, improving outcomes for moderate to severe eczema sufferers when topical steroids alone were not effective. Like any drug therapy, it does have side effects.

Deeper impacts of eczema

Eczema may be related to broken bones, according to several studies. For example, one observational study of 34,500 patients showed that those with eczema had a 44 percent increased risk of injury causing limitation and an even more disturbing 67 percent risk of bone fracture and bone or joint injury for those 30 years and older (10).

And if you have both fatigue or insomnia and eczema, you are at higher risk for bone or joint injury than having one or the other alone. The researchers postulated that the use of corticosteroids in treatment could be one reason for increased fracture risk, in addition to chronic inflammation, which may also contribute to the risk of bone loss.

Steroids may weaken bone, ligaments and tendons and may cause osteoporosis by decreasing bone mineral density.

A recently published study of over 500,000 patients tested this theory and found that the association between major osteoporotic fractures and atopic eczema remained, even after adjusting for a range of histories with oral corticosteroids (11). Also, fracture rates were higher in those with severe atopic eczema.

For those who have eczema, it may be wise to have a DEXA (bone) scan.

Eczema exists on a spectrum from annoying to significantly affecting a patient’s quality of life (12). Supplements may not be the solution, at least not borage oil or evening primrose oil. However, there may be promising medications for the hard to treat. It might be best to avoid long-term systemic steroid use, because of the long-term side effects. Lifestyle modifications appear to be very effective, at least at the anecdotal level.

References: 

(1) Acta Derm Venereol (Stockh) 1985;117 (Suppl.):1-59. (2) uptodate.com. (3) J Inv Dermatol. 2017;137(1):26-30. (4) BMC Dermatol. 2013;13(14). (5) Allergy. 2010 Jun 1;65(6):758-765. (6) J Am Acad Dermatol. 2004;50(3):391-404. (7) Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;4:CD004416. (8) mayoclinic.org (9) Medscape.com. (9) JAMA Dermatol. 2015;151(1):33-41. (10) J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2021 Sep 24;S2213-2198(21)01018-7. (11) nationaleczema.org. (12) Contact Dermatitis 2008; 59:43-47.

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.