Vol. 27 No. 47 • Rockland’s Independent Jewish Community Newspaper Since 1985 • 15 Kislev
5773
November 29, 2012 free weekly
Suffern Mayor Lacorte running for county executive A Moeller
In a bold challenge to two sitting county legislators, Suffern Mayor Dagan Lacorte announced this week that he is exploring a run next year to succeed Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef (R), who is stepping down after 20 years.
Is it time for your child see a dentist? SEE PAGE
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Lacorte, 38, said Rockland needs new leadership so that it's government "can work for all of us, for a change." He is a Democrat. Mayor Lacorte earned the thanks of the community when he resolved a lawsuit that permitted the Bikur Cholim of Rockland Shabbos House to continue operating in Suffern.
Fall back
Daylight saving time ends for NY State selects blueprint health exchange benefits at 2 a.m. Sunday.
State officials have submitted a blueprint for the health insurance coverage that will be made available under the health benefits exchange that was established through an executive order in April.
Act, the New York Health Benefit Exchange will serve as a marketplace where individuals and small business owners can browse options for health insurance. The exchange will depend on federal grant money until January 1, 2015, when it will then be required to be selfsustaining.
Remember to set your clocks back one hour before going to bed Saturday Required under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care
cont. Page 4
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As Suffern's two term mayor, Lacorte passed a budget below Governor Andrew Cuomo's property tax cap, expanded programs for senior citizens and fought a proposed Megamall in Mahwah that threatened the community's small businesses. Lacorte, who is married with two daughters, told supporters that the "professional politicians have let us down" and pointed to last years 30% percent county property tax hike as an example of why people can't afford to live in Rockland any more. Rckland County's budget deficit is $100 million and its bond rating is the worst in the state. In an interview with the Advocate, Lacorte said he looks forward to talk-
cont. Page 7
health news sponsored
by Monsey Family Medical Center
natural does not mean safe Many people think that because herbs are natural, and because they are being marketed and sold legally, they must be safe and effective. Furthermore, surveys of the public indicate that most people believe these products are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In fact, both assumptions are mistaken. This past October, the office of the inspector general of the Department of Health and Human Services issued two reports underscoring the need for improved oversight of the marketing of dietary supplements and improved surveillance of their effects. The reports add to a
mounting body of evidence documenting a serious public-health problem. Use of dietary and herbal supplements has grown dramatically in recent years in the United States. In 2007, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, $14.8 billion was spent on nonvitamin, nonmineral, natural products, such as fish oil, glucosamine, and Echinacea—equivalent to approximately one-third of total out-of-pocket spending on prescription drugs. Of that total, $4.4 billion was spent on herbal supplements. Data from the Nacont. Page 8, health news section
דער אדוואקאט וישלח
תשע״ג
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THE ADVOCATE November 29, 2012
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THE ADVOCATE November 29, 2012
special editorial report on county budget
BY DYLAN SKRILOFF
As reported in Rockland County Times
The Rockland Business Association and Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress have released a stellar white paper on Rockland County’s approximately $100 million budget deficit. The business membership group – Rockland’s largest – and the noted think tank’s work offers a comprehensive, but not excessively wonkish, overview of how Rockland got into its budget mess and some reasonable solutions on how it might begin to escape. The paper takes its initial aim at the most basic problem with Rockland’s recent budgets; alleged purposefully dishonest accounting and bookkeeping strategies. While the County Executive’s Office and the County Legislature have each year given taxpayers a wink and a nod while kicking the can down the road, the white paper claims branches of Rockland government often knowingly produced revenue estimates for taxes that were inaccurate for the past seven years. According to the RBA and Pattern for Progress, the county’s own budget consultants would warn lawmakers against adopting rosy estimates of tax revenue, and then lawmakers would proceed to ignore. The result was catastrophic shortages in the county’s books. The gap between projected sales tax revenue and actual sales tax revenue since 2005 is over $70 million. Mortgage tax shortfalls add up to over $12 million more. The report does not state it explicitly, but such an environment has been tolerated mainly because lawmakers have wished to avoid tough decisions regarding cutting programs and raising revenues. But the county’s fly by the seat of its pants approach to budgetary discretion can last no longer, the report -and reality- makes clear. The report blames both branches for failing, however it takes a harsher tone with the legislature, seemingly due to the attitude of some leaders in the body. The report says, “The county executive may have offered inaccurate revenue and spending projections, but county legislators almost universally adopted those projections without change. The County Legislature’s response to the New York State Comptroller’s audit was telling. Where the county executive accepted criticism and blame, the Legislature said none of the crisis was its fault.” Legislators have contended that because County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef provided the initial incorrect estimates, they are not responsible for the final result. The report states that legislators have voted on those numbers against the advice of their own consultants, even increasing the 2012 projections before passing the final budget. The white paper states, “Sales tax and mortgage tax must be carefully and conservatively estimated in county budgets because they are subject to the highs and lows of a volatile economy.” By contrast, “The County Legislature changed sales tax projections for the first time in 2012, adding an additional $13 million in revenue that is unlikely to be realized as the economy continues to sputter.” In addition the report cites as a problem the
practice of anticipating revenues before they arrive, such as when the county budgeted $18 million for a predicted sale of the county hospital to a public benefit corporation. The sale never received needed state approval. Consultants had warned the county that the sale was unlikely to be made within the budget year, but their warnings were ignored. One of the most praiseworthy aspect’s of the report is its distilling of basic facts and figures into an easily digestible picture. Many in the media and public have followed the stumblings and bumblings of county lawmakers in the last half decade, but the white paper presents a bird’s eye view that might not be easily attained by those in the midst of the situation. Indeed, it seems quite obvious looking at it through the eyes of the white paper’s authors, that what appeared to be “harmless” budget gimmicks at the time, were in fact the main cause of Rockland’s current crisis. County lawmakers will try to place the blame on the forces of nature, the economy, and unfunded mandates, but nobody made them kick the can down the road and fail to deal with the moment in an honest and urgent manner. Government often plays cankicking games, but the fact that it is common is no excuse. The report takes on some other specific issues and expenses the county ought to consider dealing with. The white paper points out that “Rockland taxpayers subsidized operations at Summit Park by a total of $55.8 million from 2006-2010. In his 2013 budget proposal, the County Executive estimates that Rockland taxpayers will have to subsidize Summit Park in 2013 by more than $17 million.” Praised is the recent decision to create a Local Development Corporation (LDC) which will eventually sell the hospital and nursing home at Summit Park. The report states, “Rockland County officials must also be careful about how they ultimately use any proceeds from the future sale of their hospital and nursing home. Those proceeds should not go toward balancing a single year’s budget. Instead, the county should put any proceeds from a sale into a dedicated fund – set aside from the General Fund – that will go toward paying the debts and legacy costs of Summit Park. If the county does not set aside money from the sale for these purposes, we fear the General Fund will assume an increased financial responsibility for legacy and other costs associated with Summit Park.” In other words, the report is encouraging a conservative, common sense approach to keeping the county’s books manageable. The budgetary gimmicks do not cover up the problem, they cause the problem, is a main underlying thrust of the report. One expense the white paper suggests the county can do without is the perk for county employees of free prescription drugs at Summit Park pharmacy. It is noted that “the cost of these reimbursements [is] roughly $1.7 million…According to the annual reports by the accounting firm O’Connor Davies Munns & Dobbins, Rockland County failed to budget for the prescription co-pay refunds for several years in a row, under the assumption that county officials could eliminate the benefit during contract talks cont. Page 15
תשע״ג
דער אדוואקאט וישלח
Ny state Healthcare from page 1 Goals of the exchange, according to its supporters, include increasing the number of insured New Yorkers by about 1 million people and increasing those covered by Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program by about 500,000 people. Peter Constantakes, spokesman for the state Health Department, said New York submitted the Blueprint for Exchange Readiness last month, based on the Oxford Exclusive Plan Metro health plan as the standard benchmark. The Oxford EPO model, the largest small-group plan in the state, most closely matched the ten requirements the federal government wants the states to include in their exchanges, Constantakes said. The ten requirements that must be covered in the essential health benefit plans, according to the federal Affordable Care Act, are listed in a report prepared for the New York State Health Department by consultants Milliman, Inc. Those requirements include: ambulatory patient services; emergency room services; hospitalization; maternity and newborn care; mental health and substance abuse disorders; prescription drugs; rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices; laboratory services; preventive and wellness services and chronic disease manage-
ment; and pediatric service, including oral and vision care. "[This] benchmark looks at comprehensive benefits and affordability. This plans looks like it is affordable … we want people to have those options," said Constantakes. According to a letter to the federal Health and Human Services agency from Donna Frescatore, executive director of the New York State Health Benefit Exchange, the Oxford EPO plan provides "comprehensive benefit coverage to consumers while minimizing costs to both the individual and small group markets." According to the report, Oxford EPO coverage includes up to 210 days of hospice care combined with inpatient and outpatient days, up to 60 days for physical therapy inpatient and outpatient days, and up to 7 days of inpatient detoxification for rehab services. Medically necessary abortion is covered for abortions in cases of "rape, incest, or fetal malformation." Elective abortion is covered "subject to benefit limits" and "may be excluded based on religion." Constantakes said the state is on schedule to implement the exchange by the required date of Jan. 1, 2014 and applications will be accepted beginning Oct. 1, 2013. (Via Legislative Gazzette)
American Honda Recalls Portable Generators Due to Fire and Burn Hazards
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. Distributor: American Honda Motor Co. Inc., of Torrance, Calif. Hazard: The generator’s fuel hose can leak, posing fire and burn hazards. Incidents/Injuries: Honda is aware of four incidents of fuel leaks. No fires or injuries have been reported. Description: This recall involves Honda gasoline-powered portable generators with model number EU2000i and serial numbers EAAJ2260273 through EAAJ-2485025. The generators are black and red
in color or have a camouflage design. They measure about 20 inches long by 11 ½ inches wide by 16 ½ inches tall. “Honda,” “EU converter” and the model number 2000i are printed on the side of the generator. “Companion” is printed on the side of some EU2000i models. The serial number is located on the lower right side, rear corner of the generator. Sold at: Honda Power Equipment dealers, Camping World, Gander Mountain, Grainger, Hertz Rental, John Deere, National Pump & Compressor, Northern Tool, Scheels Sporting, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Sunbelt Rentals, True Value, United Rentals, White Cap and Wholesale Sports store nationwide and online from October 2011 through September 2012 for between $1,150 and $1,400. Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled generators and contact the nearest Honda Power Equipment dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair. Consumer Contact: American Honda; Phone toll-free (888) 888-3139, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at http:// powerequipment.honda.com and click on “Recalls and Updates” under “Service and Support” for more information.
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THE ADVOCATE November 29, 2012
תשע״ג
דער אדוואקאט וישלח
Save on your
Chanukah celebration Elite Coins
Kedem Concord Grape Juice
or Manischewitz Chocolate coins All Varieties, .53 oz. bag
64 fl. oz. btl.
2
$ 99
Empire Kosher Frozen Turkeys
Select Varieties, 6 oz. pkg.
1
4/$ 00
/ea.
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Lieber’s Dreidels
5
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2
5/$ 00
5
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79¢
/ea.
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Tabatchnick Frozen Soup Assorted Flavors, 14.5-15oz. pkg.
or Soup, Select Varieties, 32 fl. oz. cont.
Golden Blintzes or Pierogies
3
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2
4
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Crisco Oil
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Natural or Regular, 23–24 oz. pkg.
Canola, Vegetable or Natural Blends, 48 fl. oz. btl.
Assorted Varieties, 2.75–4 oz. pkg.
r 31, 2012
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/ea.
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5/$ 00
44 ct. pkg.
Premium Yukon Gold Potatoes
Kedem Sparkling Juice
or Gedilla Candy filled Dreidel, 2oz.
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Acme Nova Smoked Salmon
10–20 lbs. avg. wt. Limit 1
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Use your card and save on items on this page. We sell both kosher and non-kosher foods. Some items not available in some stores. While supplies last. Prices good November 16 – December 20, 2012.
stopandshop.com
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THE ADVOCATE November 29, 2012
תשע״ג
דער אדוואקאט וישלח
national & international news updates Germany: Won't Back Palestinian State At UN
World Bank Gives $6.4m Grant to Improve Gaza Infrastructure
Germany says it won’t back a Palestinian drive for statehood in a U.N. vote this week — putting it at odds with France and other European countries.
The World Bank approved a $6.4 million grant to improve water and sewage infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, following damage caused to the already-deteriorating infrastructure during the eight day Operation Pillar of Defense, AFP reported on Wednesday. The project is set to fund construction of water tanks, connecting major wells to the supply grid, and reducing costly leaks.
Chancellor Angela Merkel’s spokesman, Steffen Seibert, said Wednesday Berlin is still evaluating the situation and consulting with its European partners. But he said: “It is also very certain that Germany will not vote for such a resolution.” Officials left open whether Germany will vote against raising the Palestinians’ status from a U.N. observer to a nonmember observer state when the U.N. General Assembly considers the issue on Thursday. Foreign Ministry spokesman Andreas Peschke says Germany’s priority is to avoid anything that could damage prospects of a negotiated two-state solution. Germany last year voted against Palestinian membership of UNESCO, the U.N. cultural agency.
The Islamic Development Bank will make an additional contribution of $11.14 million to the project, AFP reported. Protests in Cairo More than 200,000 people packed Cairo’s central Tahrir square on Tuesday, chanting against Egypt’s Islamist president in a powerful show of strength by the opposition demanding Mohammed Morsi revoke edicts granting himself near autocratic powers. With the mass protests in Tahrir and in several other cities — comparable in size to those during last year’s uprising that overthrew
autocrat Hosni Mubarak — opposition to the decrees issued last week turned into a broader outpouring of anger against the rule of Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood.
Felipe tacked offices of the Brotherhood, Calderon setting fire to at least one. Ringing Former out at Tahrir was the central chant president of the Arab Spring revolts: “The of Mexico; a fiscal liberal people want to bring down the but social regime,” and “erhal, erhal” — Araconservative bic for “leave, leave. Early years
Waving Egypt’s red, white and black flags, crowds of protesters marched across Cairo The range of divisions between Democrats and Republicans over to stream proposals for tackling the federal deficit; percent who approve: into the Obama voters Romney voters iconic cenLittle difference Significant Big difference tral plaza, Limit home mortgage Reduce funding Raise income taxes birthplace interest deduction for college student on income over of the antiloans $250,000 52% Mubarak 24 84 43 uprising. 45 41 Gradually raise By the eveSocial Security Reduce federal funds Reduce military retirement age for scientific research defense spending ning, it was 43 28 58 thronging 50 43 16 with a crowd Reduce Medicare for Reduce federal that apRaise taxes on higher income elderly funding for education investment income peared to be 50 16 62 more than 53 31 32 200,000. Raise peopleÕs Limit tax deductions Reduce funding to Clashes Medicare health care for large corporations help lower-income broke out in contributions Americans 69 several cit35 29 57 ies as Morsi 38 58 opponents Source: Pew Research Center Graphic: Judy Treible © 2012 MCT tried to at-
Fiscal cliff divisions
Born 1962 in Morelia, Mexico; his father helped form the National Action Party (PAN) Education Law degree; masterÕs in economics from Autonomous Technical Institute of Mexico; masterÕs in public administration from Harvard University
Road to the presidency
• Served twice in federal Chamber of Deputies; national president of PAN, 1996-1999; state-owned development bank director; energy minister
Presidency
• Elected in 2006; known for his war on MexicoÕs drug cartels, which led to violence • Raised salaries for police and armed forces, but capped those for high-level civil servants • Has had friendly relationship with U.S.; working with lawmakers on immigration issues • Mexican presidents may only serve one six-year term © 2012 MCT Source: San Francisco Chronicle, Reuters, MCT Photo Service
Albany & washington news briefs Proposed Food Stamp Cuts A potential $16 billion cut in the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program or SNAP may severely impact some 47 million Americans who receive food stamps,. The Farm Bill, which funds SNAP, expired on September 30. Congress is in the process of debating a new version. The Senate is calling for a $4.5 billion reduction to SNAP over the course of 10 years, while the House is pushing for a $16 billion decrease over the same time period. If the House version passes, the number of SNAP recipients will be reduced by approximately 1.8 million people a year, according to figures provided by the Congressional Budget Office. It will also preclude states from extending SNAP to lowincome people who do not fall within the federal income limits. Instead, the House has recommended giving block grants to states for SNAP, a measure which will likely reduce the number of enrollees.
New U.S. Made Electric Car An all-electric version of the mini-car will debut this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It goes on sale this summer in California, Oregon, Canada and South Korea, where it's made. Other markets will follow. Unlike the Chevrolet Volt sedan, which can run in all-electric mode but also has a backup gas engine, the Spark EV is a pure electric. GM won't say how
far the car will go on a charge, but says it will be a top performer among the small number of EVs available. The current leader, the electric Ford Focus sedan, can go 76 miles on a charge.
for the state to effectively manage its available resources.”.
The Spark EV will also be cheaper than most of its electric rivals, GM says. Exact pricing hasn't been revealed, but the car will start for less than $25,000 in the U.S. when a $7,500 federal tax credit is factored in. The electric Nissan Leaf starts at $27,700 with the tax credit. Like all electrics, though, the Spark is much pricier than its gasoline-powered equivalent. The gas-operated Spark starts at $12,245.
On November 19, Governor Cuomo announced a grant from FEMA that would assist those areas most affected by Hurricane Sandy.
DiNapoli: Tax Collections Continue To Lag Projections Tax collections of $35.9 billion through October continued to lag expectations, falling $170.8 million below July estimates and $259.8 million below initial estimates, even as the state faces significant expenses in recovering from the damage wrought by Hurricane Sandy, State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli said last week as he released his October cash report. “Tax collections were lower than expected through October,” DiNapoli said. “Tax revenue estimates should be revised downward. Adjustments should also factor in the additional costs from Hurricane Sandy. As recovery efforts continue, realistic projections are critically important
New Grant From Cuomo for Hurricane Relief
The $8.2 million grant was requested by the State Office of Mental Health, which will set up something known as "Project Hope." This project will provide a Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program for New Yorkers. Those in New York City, Long Island, and the Lower Hudson Valley will receive educational services and crisis counseling to combat the mental and emotional effects of the storm. The program will be a collaboration between FEMA and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and state and local governments. Nearly 1,000 crisis counselors and nearly 100 Office of Mental Health staff members will work together to assist those in need. Anyone who is experiencing emotional distress caused by the storm is encouraged to call LifeNet for free, confidential crisis counseling, available 24/7. Their number is 1-800-543-3638.
Sen. Joe Lieberman on the Fiscal Cliff
Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) warned Sunday that while congressional hopes remain high to reach an agreement on the so-called fiscal cliff, a deal is "not a certainty." "Let me just join in the general hopefulness that we're going to avoid the fiscal cliff. But it's not a done deal and it's not a certainty," Lieberman said during an appearance on CNN's "State Of The Union" while discussing the looming fiscal situation. "The government is on automatic pilot to the fiscal cliff, to massive tax increases and really to the horrible spending cuts on January 1 unless we act. If Congress does nothing, which Congress has gotten pretty good at doing these days, we’ll go over the fiscal cliff." Economists have warned that the combination of increased tax rates and acrossthe-board spending cuts set to go into effect on January 1 threaten to send the United States into a recession. While President Obama and members of Congress have entered negotiations to avoid the cliff, Republicans and Democrats have yet to reach an agreement.
THE ADVOCATE November 29, 2012
rockland & regional Hundreds of Storm-Hit Homes Paying Unlicensed Contractors Cleaning Up after Sandy New York City is moving to demolish hundreds of homes in the neighborhoods hit hardest by Hurricane Sandy, after a grim assessment of the storm-ravaged coast revealed that many structures were so damaged they pose a danger to public safety and other buildings nearby. But locally the Rockland County consumer protection department is sorting out the issue of unlicensed contractors coming to help out. The rise in unlicensed contractors is not unexpected, as workers file in from other
counties to assist in the removal of trees and the reparation of damaged homes and buildings. Still, however, the department has had to issue many summonses. Licenses for home improvement contractors are valid for two years and cost $650 to obtain. Though criminal penalties are rarely enforced for not having a license, it can be counted as a misdemeanor charge. Normally, there is a fine of up to $3000 per offense after the first time, which carries a fine of up to $1000. Other areas do not require licenses, so workers coming into Rockland are unaware of the law. Licensed contractors are becoming frustrated, as they have to collect he required sales tax, while those without a license do not. The consumer protection department is offering temporary licenses, as they understand it is an emergency circumstance, and are encouraging people to report any unlicensed contractors. NYACK HOSPITAL HONORED
Rockland County Legislator Aney Paul presented Nyack Hospital administration with a proclamation naming November 7, 2012 “Nyack Hospital Day” in Rockland County. The proclamation, issued by the Legislature’s Chairwoman Harriet Cornell, was presented in recognition of the hospital’s recent designation as one of the nation’s Top Performers on Key Quality Measures for the second year in a row. The designation by the Joint Commission, an independent, not-for-profit organization and the leading accreditor of health care organizations in America, recognized the hospital for its commitment to meeting certain performance standards to provide safe and effective care of the highest quality.
Assemblywoman Jaffee Gets “Exposing the Secret” Award Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee (D-95th) received the “Exposing the Secret Champion” award for her legislative efforts in the fight against breast cancer. The award was presented to Jaffee at Good Samaritan Hospital during a Breast Cancer Awareness event to educate Rockland women, health care providers, and community leaders about breast density and New York’s life-saving Breast Density Inform law, which Jaffee authored. Assemblywoman Jaffee was honored for passing the new law (A-9586), which requires mammography providers to inform patients that they have dense breast tissue and to recommend that they discuss further screening options with their physicians. “We are going to save lives and change so much throughout New York State, the country and the world,” Jaffee added. New York is one of only five states with a Breast Density Inform law and New York’s language is the most comprehensive in the nation. The Breast Density Inform law takes effect in January 2013. MAYOR LACORTE APPOINTS STEPHANIE FURGANG ADWAR SUFFERN’S FIRST WOMAN JUDGE Mayor Dagan Lacorte announced the appointment of Stephanie Furgang Adwar as Suffern’s Acting Village Justice, making her the first woman to serve in that post. “Stephanie Adwar is a skilled and thoughtful lawyer and will be a fair and deliberate judge,” Lacorte said.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity for public service. I look forward to serving my Suffern neighbors. Thank you, Mayor Lacorte, for this great honor,” Adwar said. Adwar, a lifelong Suffern resident, is a founding partner of Furgang & Adwar, L.L.P., an intellectual property and entertainment law firm with offices in West Nyack, White Plains and New York City. She received as J.D. from Yeshiva University, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Film and Television Production from New York University - Tisch School of Arts. Unemployment in Rockland County Rockland County has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state, according to numbers released by the New York State Labor Department this week. In total the state has added more than 133,000 private sector jobs since October 2011. During the same time frame, the number of initial claims for unemployment insurance in the state decreased by 8.2 percent, from 102,041 to 93,645. Currently in Rockland County the unemployment rate stands at 6.7 percent.
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תשע״ג
דער אדוואקאט וישלח
Digital wallet use gaining ground
Researchers are forecasting mobile payment usage to balloon worldwide with the total value of all transactions expected to top $171 billion this year. The value and number of transactions are projected to grow an average of 42 percent annually through 2016.
Worldwide mobile payments
North America percentage
Total transaction value 2009 2010
2.7%
2012
15.5%
300
384
$171.5 Projected $255.8 $352.7
Source: Gartner
Latin America
100
Western Europe
212.2
200
Middle East Eastern Europe North America
266.5
$105.9
2014
448
323.6
$58.9
2013
Mobile payments users by region
In millions 400
$25.6 billion
2011 2012
2009
Africa
160.5 112.4 70 2009 Õ10
Asia/Pacific Õ11
Graphic: Chicago Tribune
Õ12
Õ13 Õ14 Õ15 Projected
Õ16 © 2012 MCT
Lacorte from page 1 continued from page 1
ing with local resident from all backgrounds about what is needed to clean up the fiscal mess in county government. "This is a diverse county, but all of us should be united in our embarassment of the mismanaged finance of Rockland County.," Lacorte said, "I invite the supports of Democrats, Republicans and Independents who want proven executive experience and an end to business as usual politics."
The other two announced candidates are long-serving county Legislators. Democrat Ilan Schoenberger has been on the Legislature since 1996; Republican Ed Day joined in 2006. The legislature was criticized last week in a report by the Rockland Business Association that said the legislators used "irrational" figures in multiple county budgets. The mayor said he would cut the number of county
boards, commissions and departments by 25%, eliminate wasteful earmarks, increase funding for Rockland Community College and protect the county's natural resources. Lacorte is a partner in L&L Wealth Management, an investment firm. He served as a Deputy Mayor from 2007 to 2009. A graduate of New York University School of Law, Lacorte is a volunteer for numerous community organizations.
8 Family Health Talk
THE ADVOCATE November 29, 2012
רופא חולים
Ben Gilman
Spring Valley Family Medical Center 175 Route 59, Spring Valley NY 10977
PEDIATRIC MEDICINE
Dr. Esther Bekritsky Dr. Paul Bloom Dr. Gerson Gluck
ADULT MEDICINE
Dr. James Israel Dr. Arthur Landau Dr. Debra Grohman Dr. Delatre Lolo Dr. Manoj Pulicottil Elana Klein, PA Erick Araujo, PA
FAMILY MEDICINE
Dr. Michael Safran Dr. Jamie Giraldo
OB/GYN
Dr. Joel W. Allen Dr. Debra Kirschner Melissa A. Carco, PA Nancy Solomon, CNM
DENTAL
Dr. Genady Benyaminov Dr. Stacey Lubetsky Dr. Ramin Kashani Dr. Jacklyn Tadros Dr. Sarah Hanna Dr. David Horowitz
SPECIALTY Dr. Harry Baldinger - Podiatry Dr. Michael Ginsburg- Podiatry Dr. David Schwalb - Urology Dr. Renata Witkowska - Allergy Dr. Samuel Wong - Ophthalmology Dr. Alfred Hellreich - Dermatology Dr. Philip Fried - Dermatology Dr. Yoel Kantor - Endocrinology Hanna Raice MS, RD, CDENutrition Counseling Aaron Muller, Speech Therapy Melech Karp, Speech Therapy
natural does not mean safe tional Health and Nutrition Survey for 2003 to 2006 indicate that one-half of American adults use dietary supplements and 20 percent use a supplement with at least one botanical ingredient. In 1994, Congress passed the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act,(DSHEA) with heavy backing from the dietary supplements industry. By defining herbal supplements and botanicals as dietary supplements, DSHEA exempted them from the more rigorous standards used by the FDA in regulating food, drugs, and medical devices—essentially leaving it up to the industry to regulate itself. This single piece of legislation opened the floodgates to a rapid expansion in the sale of dietary supplements.
MONSEY FAMILY MEDICAL CENTER
Monsey Family Medical Center 40 Robert Pitt Dr. Monsey, NY 10952
(cont. from page 1)
Dr. Jamie Giraldo, a family medical doctor at Monsey Family Medical Center points out that as medicine has its side effects and warnings so does the so-called natural suppliment. “People think that they are taking something safe, when the lable says ‘all natural’ and that is somply not true.” He noted, “Even when the agency [FDA] identifies an unsafe product, it lacks authority to mandate its removal from the market because it must meet the very high legal requirement to demonstrate a ‘significant or unreasonable’ risk. That is why it took FDA more than 10 years to remove from the market ephedra- containing herbal weight-loss products that had caused hundreds of deaths and thousands of adverse events.” Another major risk noted Dr. Giraldo is that herbal supplements can interact adversely with prescribed drugs. Herbal supplements do not need to be tested before marketing, as is required for prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Producers of dietary supplements engage in deceptive marketing and do not adequately label products to inform consumers about their nature and regulation. “There is no requirement to report all adverse effects promptly to the FDA.” he concluded.
HEALTH NEWS
The most dramatic instance of the potential for harm from the unregulated use of botanicals occurred in Brussels, Belgium. Women attending a weight-loss clinic participated in a program that involved taking a combination of Chinese herbs. The program had been in operation for 15 years with no ill effects. However, in the early 1990s, the company that supplied the herbs substituted Aristolochia for another, benign, herb with a similar sounding name in Chinese. Aristolochia has been widely used in herbal medicine, but it contains aristolochic acid—a powerful kidney toxin and a carcinogen. As a result of including Aristolochia in the regimen (for a period of two years), 105 women attending the clinic developed rapidly progressing kidney failure and had to go on dialysis or have kidney transplants. Many of the women went on to develop cancer of the upper urinary tract. Cases of kidney failure due to the ingestion of herbal products containing aristolochic acid have also been reported in the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Possible dangers in asthma drugs
More than 25 million Americans have asthma, a disease that causes inflammation in the lungs and constriction of airways. Inhaled corticosteroids are the main treatment for many. For some, a second drug, known as a long-acting beta-agonist, may be prescribed. Some drugs, such as market leader, Advair, combine both a steroid and a long-acting beta-agonist. However, long-acting beta-agonists have been linked to an increased risk of asthma deaths.
The risk involved
One theory from researchers for why Advair and similar drugs bring increased risk of deadly attacks is that the long-acting beta-agonists can mask worsening inflammation; patients feel better in the short-term, but may suffer a catastrophic asthma attack down the road Mucus gland
Normal passageways
Cartilage
Airway
In people who don't have asthma, airways remain open and free of inflammation
Muscle layer
Asthmatic passageways
Lungs
In people with asthma, inflammation can be treated with an inhaled steroid; constriction in those airways can be treated with a long-acting beta-agonist
Source: seekingalpha.com, webmd.com, asthma.com, Journal Sentinel research Graphic: Enrique Rodriguez, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Dietary and herbal supplements ought to be subject to at least as rigorous safeguards as those that apply to prescription and over-the-counter medications. Before you take a supplement it is wise to contact your doctor.
Bronchus Bronchioles
Monsey Family Medical Center 40 Robert Pitt Dr. Monsey, NY 10952
(845) 352-6800
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Between 1994 and 2008, the number of dietary supplement products on the market increased from 4,000 to 75,000. In the first 10 months of 2008, the FDA received nearly 600 reports of serious adverse events (including hospitalization, disability, and death) from these products and 350 reports of moderate or mild adverse events. However, the FDA believes that these reports are drastically underreported and estimates that the annual number of all adverse events is 50,000.
Trachea
schedule your appointment today:
תשע״ג
Alveoli Air sacs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged
Muscle layer contracts
Reduced airflow
Mucus
© 2012 MCT
THE ADVOCATE November 29, 2012
New York Tells Con Ed to Prepare
9
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דער אדוואקאט וישלח
Areivim Dinner
in Event of Indian Point Shut Down New York energy regulators told power companies in New York City to develop plans to keep the lights on in the Big Apple in case the giant Indian Point nuclear power plant, which supplies about a quarter of the city's electricity, is forced to shut down. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo wants the two reactors at Indian Point shut when their operating licenses expire in 2013 and 2015 in part because the nuclear plant is located in the New York metropolitan area, home to some 19 million people. The governor has said even the most unlikely possibility of an accident is too much in the heavily populated area. U.S. power company Entergy Corp, which owns Indian Point, says, however, the plant is safe, and the company is seeking to extend the reactors' licenses for another 20 years. The 2,063-megawatt (MW) Indian Point plant is about 40 miles (60 km) north of Manhattan along the Hudson River. "Entergy and its employees continuously demonstrate the plants are safely operated, and is committed to safely operating this important facility for many more years to come," Entergy spokesman Jerry Nappi told Reuters Wednesday in an email. On Tuesday, the state's energy regulator, New York Public Service Commission (NYPSC), directed New York City power company Consolidated Edison Inc to work with the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to develop a contingency plan to
address the needs that would arise in the event Indian Point shuts down. NYPA is a state-owned power generator that supplies electricity to government customers in New York City, including schools, hospitals, government buildings, subways and commuter trains. "We will comply with the Commission's directive to work with the New York Power Authority to develop a contingency plan addressing the needs that would arise in the event of an Indian Point shutdown," Con Edison told Reuters in an emailed statement. A shutdown of Indian Point, without sufficient alternatives, would threaten electric system reliability and potentially raise electric market prices, Con Ed said. Several energy companies have already proposed power plants and transmission lines that could partially replace Indian Point, including units of NRG Energy Inc, Brookfield Asset Management Inc, BP Plc, Calpine Corp , GenOn Energy Inc and Iberdrola SA.
Eli Wiener Honoree Rabbi Yosef Mizrachi, Rabbi Gluck
Assitant Director Rabbi Moshe Frankel Rabbi Klatzko Honoree Councilman Daniel Freidman, Rabbi Gluck
Chief Peter Brower, Councilman Daniel Friedman, County Legislatur Philip Soskin, Rabbi Gluck
מענער און פרויען דענטיסטס
Family Health Talk
רופא חולים
Ben Gilman
Spring Valley Family Medical Center 175 Route 59, Spring Valley NY 10977
MONSEY FAMILY MEDICAL CENTER
Monsey Family Medical Center 40 Robert Pitt Dr. Monsey, NY 10952
basic definitions of the most common forms of mental illness Reviewed By: Sharon Kronenberg, LMSW
Anxiety disorders
The most common group of mental illnesses. The sufferer has a severe fear or anxiety which is linked to certain objects or situations. Most people with an anxiety disorder will try to avoid exposure to whatever triggers their anxiety. Examples of anxiety disorders include:
PROJECT OHR Department of Behavioral Health
PSYCHIATRY
Panic disorder
the person experiences sudden paralyzing terror or imminent disaster.
Seymour Kushnir, MD ADULT PSYCHIATRY Zvi Weisstuch, MD ADULT and Child PSYCHIATRY
Phobias
These may include simple phobias - disproportionate fear of objects, social phobias - fear of being subject to the judgment of others, and agoraphobia - dread of situations where getting away or breaking free may be difficult. We really do not know how many phobias people may experience globally - there could be hundreds and hundreds of them.
SOCIAL WORK
Individual, Couple Child & Family Therapy
(OCD) Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Malka Harris Susswein LCSW, Clinical Director Project Ohr, Individual and Family Therapist
The person has obsessions and compulsions. In other words, constant stressful thoughts (obsessions), and a powerful urge to perform repetitive acts, such as hand washing (compulsion).
PSTD (Post-traumatic stress disorder)
This can occur after somebody has been through a traumatic event - something horrible and scary that the person sees or that happens to them. During this type of event the person thinks that his/her life or other people's lives are in danger. The sufferer may feel afraid or feel that he/she has no control over what is happening.
Mood disorders
These are also known as affective disorders or depressive disorders. Patients with these illnesses share disturbances or mood changes, generally involving either mania (elation) or depression. Experts say that approximately 80% of patients with depressive disorder improve significantly with treatment. Examples of mood disorders include: Major depression - the sufferer is no longer interested in and does not enjoy activities and events that he/she previously got pleasure from. There are extreme or prolonged periods of sadness.
Bipolar disorder
Also known as manic-depressive illness, or manic depression. The sufferer oscillates from episodes of euphoria (mania) and depression (despair).
Dysthymia -mild chronic depression. Chronic in medical terms means continuous and long-term. The patient has a chronic feeling of ill being and/or lack of interest in activities he/she once enjoyed - but to a lesser extent than in major depression.
SAD (seasonal affective disorder) A type of major depression. However, this one is triggered by lack of daylight. People get it in countries far from the equator during late autumn, winter, and early spring.
Schizophrenia disorders
Whether or not schizophrenia is a single disorder or a group of related illnesses has yet to be fully determined. It is a highly complex illness, with some generalizations which exist in virtually all patients diagnosed with schizophrenia disorders. Most sufferers experience onset of schizophrenia between 15 and 25 years of age. The sufferer has thoughts that appear fragmented; he/she also finds it hard to process information. Schizophrenia can have negative or positive symptoms. Positive symptoms include delusions, thought disorders and hallucinations. Negative symptoms include withdrawal, lack of motivation and a flat or inappropriate mood. What are the most common serious mental disorders (illnesses)? Most major (serious) mental illnesses tend to have symptoms that come and go, with periods in between when the person can lead a relatively normal life (episodic illness). The most common serious mental disorders are: • • •
Schizophrenia Bipolar disorder Depression
Treatments and strategies for mental health problems There are various ways people with mental health problems might receive treatment. It is important to know that what works for one person may not work for another; this is especially the case with mental health. Some strategies or treatments are more successful when combined with others. The patient himself/ herself with a chronic (long-term) mental disorder may draw on different options at different stages in his/her life. The majority of experts say that the well informed patient is probably the best judge of what treatment suits him/her better. It is crucial that healthcare professionals be aware of this. Project Ohr has a highly trained professional staff of doctors and therapists that understand the conditions described above. instead of worrying about a condition you may be experiencing, call for a
Gelly Asovski LCSW, Play Therapist Rabbi Aryeh Frankel LMSW, Family Therapist, males, teens and adults Sharon Kronenberg LCSW, Individual Therapist Adults Chana Simmonds LCSW, Family and Individual Therapist- Adults Gila Zelinger LCSW, Family and Individual Therapist, Teens and Adults Naomi Franklin LMSW, Child Therapist Yael Kahan LMSW, Family and Individual Therapist, Teens and Adults Esther Rothbaum LMSW, Child Therapist Toby Spitzer LMSW, Individual and Family Therapist Tziporah Spira LMSW Family and Individual Therapist, Teens and Adults Aviva Cohen LMSW, Therapist Pre-Teens, and Teens Rabbi Moshe Abramczyk LMSW, Therapist, males, ages 12 and above
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11
THE ADVOCATE November 29, 2012
דער אדוואקאט וישלח FORECLOSURE COUNSELING Programmable Thermostats for Consumers-Did You Know? 12
THE ADVOCATE November 29, 2012
תשע״ג
RCDC Housing, Inc.
The average household spends more than $2,200 a year on energy bills - nearly half of which goes to heating and cooling. Homeowners can save about $180 a year by properly setting their programmable thermostats and maintaining those settings.
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A programmable thermostat helps make it easy for you to save by offering four pre-programmed settings to regulate your home's temperature in both summer and winter - when you are home, asleep, or away. The pre-programmed settings that come with programmable thermostats are intended to deliver savings without sacrificing comfort. Depending on your family's schedule, you can see significant savings by sticking with those settings or adjust them as appropriate for your family. The key is to establish a program that automatically reduces heating and cooling in your home when you don't need as much.
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How to Avoid a Clogged Bathtub Drain Keeping water flowing through your drain is actually pretty easy with a tiny bit of monthly maintenance. Preventing drain clogs involves very little work. Instead of spending excessive time and effort whenever the thing gets backed up, you just exert a fraction of that effort on a monthly (or, in more extreme situations, bi-monthly) basis. For many people, that effort is nothing more than pouring a gallon of hot/boiling water down your drain. This helps loosen and hair or gunk clogging the main pathway and push down. After you do this, be sure to run regular warm water for
about five minutes just to continue pushing everything as far down and out as you can get it. If that doesn't work, chances are you produce a lot of hair and that hair is long. This is where a hair catcher comes in. For about $5-10 you get a little device that sits in your drain and catches hair and gunk. Gross, yes, but you just empty it once or twice a month and your drain will never clog. Unfortunately there isn't any way to send everything that goes down the drain into another dimension and magically solve the problem, but if you employ these two tips you'll at least avoid the problem.
Is your home drafty? Is it cold in your home during the winter? Are your heating bills high? If you answered YES to any of these questions then give us a call to find out if you are eligible for the New York State WEATHERIZATION Program Weatherization is a New York State funded program open to income eligible homeowners and renters. If eligible, you would receive a home energy audit to determine how your home’s efficiency could be improved. We replace windows and doors, insulate attics and walls (all determined at your audit) as well as do overall measures to better airseal your home. Weatherization works! Call today for an application.
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THE ADVOCATE November 29, 2012
13
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דער אדוואקאט וישלח
Groups Struggle for Holocaust Restitution Prague - More than 67 years after the Holocaust, Jirina Novakova refuses to give up her battle to regain property confiscated from her family.
THE WOMAN’S
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Her hopes got a boost two years ago when 43 countries vowed at a Prague conference to back global guidelines for the restitution of property confiscated from Jews during World War II to their rightful owners or heirs. The nations pledged to try harder to return real estate stolen by the Nazis, open archives that might help those dispossessed and to process claims for restitution faster. She thought that show of international determination would pressure her country, the Czech Republic, and help her finally win a court battle to get back a button factory seized from her family by the Nazis. But the 62-year-old is still waiting.
seeking the return of the Koh-i-noor button factory in Prague. Originally owned by her grandfather, Zikmund Waldes, it was seized by the Nazis in 1939 during their occupation of what then-Czechoslovakia. The factory was nationalized by the communists after the war in 1945. After the fall of communism, the state sold the factory to a private owner in 1994. No compensation was ever paid to the family. The 2010 agreement “didn’t help at all,” Novakova said. “It’s a little bit depressing.” But she refuses to give up. Now she is challenging the Constitutional Court’s ruling and vowed to go next to international courts if she loses her appeal. “I still have hope,” she said.
This week, Novakova was among 200 people from 41 countries attending another international conference in Prague to review the progress made and put renewed pressure on European governments to restitute such property or provide fair compensation.
The two-day conference in Prague ended Wednesday with new calls for restitution.
“While progress has taken place since the fall of Communism and the subsequent breakup of the Soviet Union, there remains an urgent need to help the tens of thousands of elderly HoShortly after the 2010 conference, locaust victims and their heirs whose the Czech Constitutional Court overproperty claims remain unsatisfied,” turned a 2009 Supreme Court ruling Ronald Lauder, president of the World and earlier lower court rulings in faJewish Restitution Organization, said vor of Novakova and other relatives in a statement. Poland, in particular, is often criticized for failing to pass legislation that would compensate Jews for their losses in the Holocaust. Once home to Europe’s largest Jewish community, Poland had for many years vowed to tackle the problem, but in 2011, Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government suspended work on a compensation law, saying a rising state deficit left it Get A 22 Dover Terrace Monsey NY, 10952 unable to afford Discount such payments. 845-356-1734
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THE ADVOCATE November 29, 2012
15
special editorial report on county budget from page 4 with labor unions. However, the benefits continued under the terms of the expired contracts.” While not a major cause of the deficit, it is a contributing factor. The free prescription meds also represents a perk that’s above and beyond what is found anywhere else in the marketplace and the authors gently suggest that it should be phased out. Another factor facing Rockland County which has already impacted the budget and may impact it further in the near future, especially if the economy does not resume strong growth, is the increase in population in high poverty communities, such as Kaser, New Square, Monsey and Spring Valley. This increase is of course straining social services and makes it all the more urgent that the county deal with reality straightforwardly. Working to create a strategy toward job training and getting lower income persons involved in the workforce is recommended. The white paper asks, “How can Rockland County partner with private companies and nonprofit agencies to prepare its low-income and unemployed citizens for the job market? How can the county encourage job growth and entrepreneurship? What role does SUNY Rockland, the community college, play in training people for new jobs? How can Rockland work with its booming but impoverished villages to help their residents improve their lives and become independent of government services?” Another item misestimated in recent county budgets has been overtime. Between 2007 and 2011 the county underestimated overtime costs by approximately $10 million. The report states, “The county should consider all avenues to reduce overtime costs. That might include adopting a 21 ‘no-overtime’ policy for departments where that is practicable.” The county’s move to receive a deficit bond was praised by the authors. It recommends the county pursue this course again, in spite of state not moving forward on it last year. In fact, the report says, the state did not move on any such bonds for any county last year. “The deficit bonds would allow Rockland County to erase its current deficit, pay the shortfall over a period of 10 years, and start with a blank slate,” the report states. The report praises Assembly Ken Zebrowski’s “Rockland County Deficit Reduction Task Force” proposal, stating that “the task force would exist for a threeyear period, and could extend its oversight by majority vote for two-year periods until the deficit bonds were paid off…The task force would have broad oversight and budget recommendation powers. Under the terms of the bill, Rockland County would be forced to submit its annual budget, a multi-year budget plan and quarterly reports to the task force.” An independent comptroller could be coming Rockland County’s way if the report’s suggestion is followed. The white paper authors state that the comptroller’s function “would include the certification of all county bills, the power to audit, and other such powers that would allow him/
her to serve as a ‘financial watchdog’ on behalf of the taxpayers.” Several counties already have comptrollers. The report also advises the formation of an audit advisory committee “that periodically monitor the county’s finances and report back to the public,” recommending Nassau County as a positive example of an existing similar committee. New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli recently was a guest at the Rockland Business Association’s annual dinner, where he praised the group’s efforts on the white paper. He may have some skin in the game himself, as the white paper gives a nod to DiNapoli’s proposed “Fiscal Stress Monitoring System.” The white paper says, “While this recommendation is not specific to Rockland County, we believe it would be prudent for state officials to support Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli’s proposed Fiscal Stress Monitoring System. Municipalities and school districts will be given two scores. On the financial side, the system will determine whether a given government unit is facing significant financial stress, moderate financial stress, nearing financial stress or no financial stress.” The report states lawmakers must take it upon themselves to earnestly consider what can be cut from county government what services can be shared with towns, with least harm to the local quality of life. The Sheriff’s police unit is one possible place to look for cuts, the report states, as every town in Rockland has their own police force. The report commended Rockland District Attorney Thomas Zugibe for helping to create a new Regional Investigative Resources Center this year after funding was cut for narcotics and intel investigations. Lastly the report recommends local governments create a Council of Governments which convene and discuss matters of governance as well as the best means to consolidate services whenever possible. Times are tight and it’s time for the government to make its operations as lean and efficient as possible. Haphazard cutting is not the solution either, the report intones, but measured and rational governance. While Rockland lawmakers have had plenty of unexpected drama thrown their way, the report points out that other counties have handled economic drama with less trouble. Going forward the white paper paints a map of how a more functional and honest county government might operate. We encourage readers to read the report at http://www.rocklandbusiness.org/pdf/ Rockland-County-Budget-Crisis.pdf. It’s not a joy read, so pick it up when you are in a serious state of mind and have time to take it in. The report is not revolutionary, unless good, solid and rational advice is revolutionary in 2012. It is, however, what the doctor ordered. With the county executive race already on for 2013, we are sure county lawmakers are listening. They better be.
תשע״ג
דער אדוואקאט וישלח
special health news update
Caffeine and your body The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is investigating deaths linked to popular caffeine drinks. These highly caffeinated beverages are the fastest-growing type of soft drink in the U.S. A look at how caffeine gives your body an energy boost:
Nucleus
Synapse
Nerve cells communicate through synapse gap Signals move between nerve cells by the release and absorption of two ÒneurotransmitterÓ chemicals
Adenosine affects energy level, causes sleepiness
Nerve cell
WITHOUT CAFFEINE
Receptor
Dopamine affects muscle control, pleasure, pain and emotions
Synapse
Caffeine
ch u m w ho is too ch u m ?
Adenosine ties up dopamine receptors, causes fatigue
Caffeine blocks adenosine; dopamine receptors become more active
WITH CAFFEINE
Caffeine’s effects
Energy drinks
Improves short-term memory, mental function, alertness and reaction time; can also disrupt sleep
• The FDA does not regulate caffeine in energy drinks • Consumers may be at risk for caffeine toxicity • Symptoms of caffeine toxicity, which is also called caffeine intoxication, range from nervousness to cardiac arrhythmia
Boosts blood pressure; speeds up heart Promotes urination, making body lose calcium in urine; can reduce bone density, cause dehydration Source: Caffeine: Pharmacology and Clinical Effects, WebMD Graphic: Sun Sentinel
© 2012 MCT
New study: Caffeine in soda does not increase diabetes risk The sugar in soda is the main issue and not caffeine when it comes to diabetes, according to a Nov. 25 Yahoo! News report. The study, which appeared in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, followed over 100,000 people for 22 years. Participants who drank beverages sweetened with sugar were as much as 23 percent more likely to develop diabetes than those who refrained from sweetened drinks. The percentage was the same whether the drinks contained caffeine or not. Frank Hu of Harvard University was the lead author of the study. He said, "We found that caffeine doesn't make a difference at all. Coffee can be beneficial and the caffeine doesn't appear to have a positive or negative effect on diabetes risk.” However, other studies suggest
caffeine temporarily blocks the body from properly processing sugar, which can lead to abnormal blood sugar in people with diabetes. James Lane has been studying this link at Duke University. He said, "Our understanding of the body's tolerance to caffeine is not complete.” So what is the best course of action for diabetic caffeine fans? Tread carefully and pay attention to your blood sugar readings after consuming soda, coffee, tea and other caffeinated beverages, the study advises.
THE ADVOCATE November 29, 2012
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THE ADVOCATE November 29, 2012
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THE ADVOCATE November 29, 2012
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דער אדוואקאט וישלח
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Educational Insights : Eliezer Vilinsky, M.A. Miryam Vilinsky, M.Ed. EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES © 2012 All rights reserved. Permission to print granted to The Advocate The issue: Our title represents a popular statement given by teachers to their students as they prepare them for later years within their school career. We recall hearing these words from our elementary school teachers as they related to high school, and we also heard them from our high school teachers who were preparing us for higher education. The message is “What we are learning now is good for your mind and soul because you will need it later, and if you think that this is tough, wait until you see what lies ahead.” Those were well-intentioned words, but scary at the time. The question is whether it is better to merely talk about future educational settings and undertakings or to actually taste them in advance. Should children and teens wait until they arrive at the door of the next level of schooling, or is there something to be said for dual enrollment – taking high school classes while in elementary school, for example? The wow factor: Fortunately we don’t have to spend a lot of time and money on research to find the answer to this question; it has already been answered, at least in Texas. Ben Struhl and Jeff Vargas, from an organization named Jobs for the
“You’ll See When You Get There.” Future (JFF), authored a recent study that addresses this issue. Targeting education completion and job preparedness for lowincome individuals, JFF analyzed the likelihood that high school students would continue on to college and complete their college education. The group was particularly interested in tracking students who had taken college courses while in high school. After tracking almost 33,000 students for six years, the results were clearly in favor of dual enrollment. Findings revealed that students were 2.2 times more likely to enroll in college following high school, 2.0 times more likely to sign up for a second year of college, and 1.7 times more likely to complete a degree. That is quite convincing. Our take on the issue: You can see from the Texas study that tasting the next level of education via dual enrollment is a good thing, and it most likely applies just as well beyond the borders of the lone star state. The next level up the ladder of schooling should never remain as a mystique to children. Preschool children should be introduced to elementary school, elementary school children should recognize high school, and high school youths should be familiar with college, all in advance. Teachers should not be saying, “You’ll see when you get there.” to students who have no familiarity with what “there” is. Dual enrollment is not just a matter of bringing upper level classes into a lower-level school. It’s all about transition. Education systems may be
comprised of a series of levels, as America’s are, but the flow from one level to the next should be seamless. The lines between segments should be blurred. Our professional advice: We would take this issue a step further. The JFF study advocates bringing college courses into high schools. That is commendable, but it would be even better if those courses would be taught in the same way that a college professor would teach them. We are not suggesting that Texas doesn’t do that. Our recommendation is that all advance courses should be taught by personnel who teach in a school of higher education. When students take a ninth-grade science course while in eighth grade, the teacher should be a high school teacher who will teach the course in a high school way. Along with that recommendation comes the reminder that this is not to the exclusion of a transition process. That high school teacher needs to know how to teach transitioning elementary school students. She will bridge the two levels of schools by bringing the taste of high school with all of its flavors to the elementary school. One of the flavors that should be introduced is how high-schoolers work. This means that students get a taste of how the course is taught, including homework load, preparation and study obligations, and independent learning. This investment has been proven to benefit children as they prepare to advance to higher grades.
Transition should be a long-term process. The truth is that this transition process should not wait until the final grade of the lower school. It is not just a jumping off point toward the next stage. Transition should be a longterm process. We should have high school on the brain from the time our students enter grade one. Everything we do should be gearing them for the next stage. We don’t have to talk about that preparation all the time, but it should be evident. Again, the preparation for the next level is not introduced as, “You will need this for ‘there’,” rather it should happen subliminally here in the elementary school. When adolescents visit high schools, they should be entering familiar territory, generating a reaction of “I can handle this. It’s similar to what we were doing in my school.” And we know why. Although we have been discussing taking higher-school courses in a lower school, some young people will take the higherlevel courses at the higher-level school. High school students will take college courses at the college while they are still enrolled in high school. If the transition process prepared them well, this is an excellent arrangement. The same can apply for students who may attend both elementary and high schools, not just enjoy courses from each. Strategically, this would be most easily accomplished if the lower and upper schools were under the same roof. Since we do have such schools today, these
schools should accommodate dual enrollment as much as possible. Schools that are not “cradle to grave” often forge alliances with nearby lower or upper schools. A lower school becomes a feeder for the upper school. That should not just be to ensure enrollment and tuition dollars, but a way to benefit children’s education best, a.k.a. dual enrollment. The bottom line: Education is a lifelong process. It begins at birth, but becomes formal in nursery school. It continues formally into adulthood and then returns to informality for the rest of life. Each stage of education interfaces with a next stage. The quality of that transition can determine the amount and quality of success in the next stage. That is why transitions should be gradual, long-term, and carefully engineered. Introducing higher education in a lower education setting is central to this responsibility. Enabling children to cope with higher education comfortably and competently is part of “helping children to help themselves.” Eliezer and Miryam Vilinsky are educational consultants in private practice. They provide direct instruction to students, conduct teacher-training seminars and consult with schools and families worldwide. They can be reached at Educational Support Services at 4263673 and at www.TReaching.com. The weekly edition of Educational Insights is available via subscription. Please call for details.
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