Enjoy Fresh Long Island Produce at a Farm Stand Near You
Don’t miss these Suffolk County Farmers’ Markets for your end-of-summer produce!
Babylon Village: Babylon Village Gazebo, 244 W Main Street, Sundays from 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. through Nov. 24.
Deer Park: Tanger Outlets, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. through December
Huntington Village: Elm Street Parking Lot on Main Street, Sundays from 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. through Nov. 24.
East Hampton: Herrick Park on Newton Lane, Fridays from 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. through September
Farmingville: Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Thursdays from 12-5 p.m. through October
Greenport: Mitchell Park, Fridays from 3-6:30 p.m. through Oct. 11.
Islip: 655 Main Street, Saturdays from 7 a.m. – 12 p.m. through November
Montauk: Montauk Village Green, 743 Montauk Highway, Thursdays from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. through September
Nesconset: Nesconset Plaza, 127 Smithtown Blvd, Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. through November
Northport: Cow Harbor Parking Lot, Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. through Nov. 23.
Patchogue: East side of Patchogue LIRR Parking Lot, Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. through October
Port Jefferson: Jeanne Grant Harborfront Park, 101 East Broadway, Sundays from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. through November
Rocky Point: Old Depot Park, 115 Prince Road, Sundays from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sag Harbor: Breakwater Yacht Club, 51 Bay Street, Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. through October
Sayville: Islip Grange, 10 Broadway Avenue, Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. through November
Shelter Island: Havens Farmers Market, Shelter Island Historical Center, Saturdays from 9 a.m. –12:30 p.m. through Oct. 12.
Southampton: Agawam Park, Jobs Lane, Sundays from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. through Sept. 10.
Westhampton Beach: Village Gazebo, Westhampton Beach, Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. through October
The summer of 2024, hot and humid, where did it go? Did you have time for vacationing with family and friends or just relaxing by the pool?
Setauket Meadows has been busy renewing the amenities here. Both the Tennis/Pickle ball courts have been refurbished and now have a very smooth surface while the Putting Green has also had a makeover- it is now very ‘Putt’ friendly! (Give it a try!) In addition, the Bocce ball court is ready for some tournament play and even the Corn hole equipment has found use as the Happy Hour residents have taken to play – in between drinks! If you haven’t taken part yet “Come on down”.
Tennis is played on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (Call Pete Barba for info (516-456-8886). Men’s Pickle Ball is played on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30-12:00. (Call Rich Lester for info at (631-338-6455). Women’s Pickle Ball is played on Tues and Thursday from 9-10:30. (Call Donna Hane for info 516-524-8173). There is a golf group who play on Tuesdays (although obviously not on site!- (e-mail Joe Polizzi at ipivbb.gmail.com for information).
In addition, the Clubhouse hosts games of Cards and Mah Jong numerous times each week. Again, newcomers are always welcome. With all these activities, community life at Setauket Meadows is at its best!
Depending on the weather, Happy Hour (every Wednesday 5 to 7 PM) is either in the Clubhouse or by the pool. NOTE: WHEN OUTSIDE THERE IS NO GLASS ALLOWED BY THE POOL!!! DRINKS MUST BE IN PLASTIC CONTAINERS –EVEN WINE BOTTLES!. Bring your own drinks and an appetizer to share. This is a great way to meet your neighbors and make new friends. Not only do we have a number of new residents but as of this writing, there are 4 units for sale. Tell your friends! Setauket Meadows is a great place to live.
Though 4D, our landscaping company, continues to cut and trim throughout the summer, all other landscaping projects are finished until the fall. If there is an issue around your unit, please e-mail both HPM at hpmli@aol.com and Eileen Duffy, Board liaison at loveduff2000@yahoo.com Note: The new trees behind the Estate Fence continue to be maintained and grow. The trees are filling in nicely and adding to the attractive look of our community. The Board is committed to maintaining the Setauket Meadows community as the premier complex on the North Shore.
REMINDER- The pool hours for children are 12-3 outdoors and 3-5 indoors. Also, NO swim diapers are allowed in either pool, this includes both children and adults.
There has always been a concern regarding the use of guest parking. House rules state that residents must use their own driveway and garage for parking. Parking areas other than driveways and clubhouse are designated as guest parking and residents are not permitted overnight parking there. Residents with more than two cars are to park their third and subsequent cars in the clubhouse parking area with prior Board approval.
The next HOA meeting will be held in the Clubhouse on August 15 at 10:00AM. In the meantime, enjoy the rest of summer!
The Hammer’s Grandson Makes It To The Olympics
Zach Hammer, Bill and Sandy Hammer’s grandson, will be competing in the Speed Climbing event at the 2024 Olympics being held in Paris, France. He will be one of two Americans, among only 14 men from around the world invited to the event.
The first event, seeding, will be held on Aug 6 at 7am EST, with the quarter-final, semi-final, and final events held on Aug 8 at 6:35am 6:54am, and 6:57am, respectively. The events will be aired live on NBC and USA Network.
Zachary is 18 years old and has been climbing since he was 3 years old! You can learn more about him and his adventure on Facebook. Search for Gary Hammer and scroll down to read the various articles.
How To Avoid Skimming
by Ray Dawson
What is skimming?
Skimming is an illegal activity that involves the installation of a device, usually undetectable by ATM users, that secretly records bank account data when the user inserts an ATM card into the machine. Criminals can then encode the stolen data onto a blank card and use it to loot the customer's bank account.
There are a few things you can do to avoid skimming: Always inspect ATMs and point-of-sale (POS) machines before swiping or inserting your card. Does the machine seem loose, or does the card reader seem tight? Are there signs of tampering, such as scratches or tape, or does the keypad seem damaged? If so, do not proceed; notify the business and local law enforcement. Use contactless-enabled cards whenever possible for safe and easy payments by tapping your card on a contactless-enabled payment terminal. Try to use machines that are in public view with security monitoring – these machines are less likely to be tampered with. If possible, it’s always best to use an ATM inside your financial institution.
Fun Things to do Before Summer Ends!
Long Island summers – they’re like a perfectly blended cocktail of sun-kissed adventures, salty breezes, and endless possibilities. Whether you’re a born-and-raised local or a lucky visitor itching to explore, this sunny slice of paradise has something for everyone. From beaches to a little more adventurous activities and quirky attractions are tucked away in every corner of Long Island. Before the good weather is just a memory, enjoy the best of what Long Island has to offer.
Get Nostalgic at Nookie’s: a 50s themed restaurant in Greenport
Cozied up in the Southwest corner of Silver Sands Motel is Nookies. It’s like stepping into a time capsule: imagine mint-green swivel barstools, bright orange ceramic mugs, and shiny chrome details. Their menu draws inspiration from the North Fork region and the Mediterranean, incorporating fresh local produce, grilled dishes, salads, and other regionally inspired creations.
Catch New York in bloom at Waterdrinker Family Farm and Lavender by The Bay Visit Lavender by the Bay this summer. Immerse yourself in a purple paradise of over 80,000 blooming lavender plants across two expansive farms nestled in Long Island’s North Fork Wine Country. Relax in an Adirondack chair, marvel at the industrious honeybees, and peruse the onsite farm stands offering fresh lavender bunches, lavender honey, and other seasonal delights.
Discover the enchanting flower fields at Waterdrinker Family Farm in Manorville, renowned for its renowned Tulip Festival in spring and sunflower u-pick in summer. Spend your afternoon strolling amidst a golden sea, interacting with friendly farm animals, and basking in the warm glow of the sunflower fields at dusk. It's a summer experience like no other!"
Zipline and test your limits at WildPlay in Jones Beach
If it's adventure you seek, visit WildPlay at Jones Beach and put your endurance to the test with its many rope courses, 700-ft. long zipline, and 40-ft. bungee jump while overlooking miles of white sand and crashing waves. With three levels of obstacles to choose from, the park is the perfect place for kids and adults alike.
Set sail on a yacht
With hundreds of miles of captivating coastline, it goes without saying that boating on Long Island is a huge commodity. Whether you’re a boat owner or not, there are endless opportunities to set sail or tie up and enjoy this iconic #IslandLife pastime. Sail in style and comfort on the beautiful waters of Northport Harbor when you book the luxurious Onda Bella Cruises, the spot for a European-inspired cruise experience. On
board the 22-foot electric yacht, you’ll savor hors d’oeuvres, listen to music, indulge in some drinks, and partake in water activities.
Ride on the Tiki Boat
The Tiki Boat is a bar/nightclub on the water, and a must-try experience this summer. You can rent the tiki boat out for a private party, or book one of the scheduled trips with other guests. The boat features a spacious dance floor, for dancing enthusiasts to boogie along with authentic tropical music, transporting you to a Caribbean Island paradise. Sip on some cocktails, sway to the music (and the waves), and party.
Check out the ultimate Billy Joel exhibit in the LIMEHOF
Hit the trails at the Sunken Forest
A stop at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is a must this summer to check out the museum’s special exhibit named: ‘Billy Joel – My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey’. This exciting display will run only through summer 2024 and promises a deep dive into the Piano Man's incredible career, featuring rare memorabilia, records, and instruments donated from the singer’s personal collection.
Off Long Island’s South Shore, you’ll find the iconic, car-free beach haven Fire Island. While the island itself might be known across the globe, it’s home to a hidden treasure – a rare natural wonder missed by many. That’s why the Sunken Forrest in Sailor’s Haven, one of the last remaining maritime forests on the eastern seaboard, is at the top of our 2024 bucket list.
When you traverse this peaceful forest and its meandering boardwalks, you’ll feel like you’re below sea level. This unique 40-acre nature oasis is home to a globally rare collection of plants which can be seen with a walk along the Sunken Forest Nature Trail, a thin strip of forest about a ¼ mile wide and 1.5 miles long. On the trail, you’ll likely encounter deer, foxes and other wildlife.
How to know if the olive oil you’re buying is actually good for you
Olive oil has many health benefits. How beneficial the oil is actually is depends on how the product is harvested, processed, stored and used in farms or mills, grocery stores and your own home.
Here’s what you need to know to select the best possible olive oil for your diet.
Harvest and processing
Historically, brands that maintain a high quality of olive oil are those that put care into the process from the moment of harvest, Kyriakides said. Oil made from gently harvested, very green olives that haven’t fully ripened are best since those have a higher concentration of the healthful components, he added.
How quickly the olives go from harvest to being processed into oil is the next critical step.
“Some companies have their own mills and processing where within two hours, they could take the fruit from the trees, put it in the mill and get the product,” Kyriakides said. This minimizes the risk of the fruit oxidizing or fermenting from sitting out for too long post-harvest.
There shouldn’t be more than a few days between harvest and processing dates, he added. How the oil is processed is one of the biggest factors in whether that product is healthy, experts say. Extra virgin olive oil is the healthiest version because it’s cold-pressed only once without high heat or chemical solvents. The special processing helps extra virgin oil retain its nutrients.
Freshness
and storage methods
You may be wondering how you’re supposed to know when brands pick their olives or how soon they process them. With the growing popularity of consuming olive oil for health benefits, some companies have placed these details directly on product labels. Alternatively, some labels have a QR code you can scan to read that information on your smartphone. Either way, be sure to look for the harvest, processing and bottling dates and the “best by” date to get the freshest oil, experts recommend.
Bottles that take no more than three months to get from the harvest to the shelf are your best choice, and the farther away the best-by date is from when you buy the oil, the fresher the product will be, Kyriakides said.
The International Olive Council has recommended brands limit the best-by date to no longer than two years after bottling.
If a brand’s bottle says the harvest season was “23/24,” for example, “that means their harvest lasted the latter part of 2023 into early 2024,” Kyriakides said. “Others will be very strict they will say October, September 2023.”
For fans in the United States, getting fresh olive oil doesn’t mean it needs to be imported anymore. It’s been made possible by the growth in US-based producers especially in California, where there’s a climate conducive to growing native varieties of olive trees and locals can get high quality oil within a much shorter time frame. Georgia, Oregon, Texas and Arizona also produce olive oil, but on a smaller scale.
Just like the compounds in tea or chocolate, those in olive oil degrade with time, especially if it’s stored in a hot environment or exposed to light or air, said Dr. Selina Wang, an associate professor of cooperative extension in small-scale fruit and vegetable processing at the University of California, Davis.
This is why storing the oil in a cool environment and a dark-colored glass bottle throughout the olive oil’s life is crucial. The importance of a cool environment is also why consuming the oil raw, say as a salad dressing, is better than using it to cook. But regardless of how it is consumed, olive oil is much healthier than heavily refined oils purchased at the grocery store, experts said.
If at the grocery store you see extra virgin olive oil stored on a top shelf near bright, big lights and the bottle is warm, that’s a red flag, Kyriakides said. “I’m not going to buy that oil, because I know it’s been sitting there, it’s been exposed to that heat already,” he added.
Preserving your oil at home
Besides information on harvest and processing dates, another way to gauge the freshness of your oil is by taste.
“The more taste an olive oil has, the more health benefits,” as the compounds responsible for them also contribute to the oil’s taste, said Joseph R. Profaci, executive director of the North American Olive Oil Association, an industry trade association, via email. “If health is the primary driver, the consumers should look for those that are robust rather than mild.”
For that reason, Profaci urged that people “get accustomed to cracking open their olive oil bottle as soon as they get it home and tasting it,” he added. “That will help them develop a more discerning palate for olive oil. If they take that taste and are disappointed, and especially if it has the rancid taste of wax crayons or stale nuts, take it back to the store and ask for a refund or replacement.”
Consistently keeping the oil in the fridge can extend the protection of the phenolics for another year or two just be sure to set it on the counter a little in advance of putting it on your salad so it can warm up to its normal consistency, Kyriakides said.
A Tailgating Game Plan
During August, many folks begin thinking about football. Across the country, game day traditions include tailgating, the activity that takes place before the actual game. Just like most get-togethers, a successful tailgate takes planning and preparation. Consider these tips to ensure your tailgate scores well with your friends and family.
Get a group together. Before any real planning can take place, it’s important to ensure you have friends and family willing to gather around the grill outside the stadium gates. Pick a game and run the idea by anyone you think would like to join you well ahead of time so everyone can get tickets and commit to arriving at the venue together.
Decide on a menu. While many tailgating foods are tried and true classics – like burgers, brats, chili, chicken wings and nachos – it’s still important to work with your group to establish a menu that offers something for everyone. Shoot for items that can be prepared either the night before or cooked in less than 30 minutes to keep it quick and easy. Create a signup sheet to avoid duplicate menu items, and don’t forget drinks – both alcoholic and nonand goodies for any kids who are coming along.
Pack the night before. Once everyone knows what to bring, cook what you can in advance and load things you’ll need such as coolers, a grill, lawn chairs, a pop-up tent, tables, plates, napkins, utensils, condiments, trash bags, charcoal or propane, sunscreen, lighters and lighter fluid, bug spray and party games in your vehicle the night before.
Arrive early. Getting to the parking lot early – many stadiums open lots four hours before game time – allows you to maximize he time spent together and can also make it easier to coordinate multiple parking spots together, If necessary.
Set up equipment. On arriving, set up any equipment such as tents, lawn chairs and, probably most importantly, the grill. Getting everything set up quickly and the grill going early will leave you better positioned to start cooking when your entire group arrives so you can head into the stadium with plenty of time to account for any walking distance and lines at the gates.
Enjoy the atmosphere. Outside of maybe the food, the atmosphere of your tailgate is the most important part. Bring a Bluetooth speaker and games like cornhole or ladder toss and enjoy the party with your fellow sports fans. Decorating your cars or tent in your team’s colors can also add to the festive spirit.
Clean up. Make sure you leave enough time before the game to clean up and store everything securely back in your vehicle before heading in. Then you won’t have to worry about your things while enjoying the game.
By Joe Polizzi
In a time when construction and updating projects take months to complete the opposite occurred at Setauket Meadows. In a matter of four weeks two major improvements to Setauket Meadows athletic amenities were started and completed. Our tennis and pickleball court was resurfaced and relined. No sooner was that finished and our putting green was recarpeted. Here is a picture of our new putting green (right).
The new design allows for a larger chipping area and seven strategically placed holes. The new putting facility will allow duffers to practice those two (chipping & putting) very important scoring skills. It will also give grandparents a place to bring their grandchildren to while away the baby sitting hours with another recreation.
The sharp blue lines of the pickleball courts will also help to provide proper calls on balls being in or out of bounds. Lest we forget that our Bocce court was also redone and now residents, Happy Hour attendees and families could also participate in this venture. As an original owner it is gratifying to see that our community has been restored to its intended attractive, pristine beginnings. Thanks to the HOA.
The mid-summer baseball All-Star game was played last month at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. These mid-season games provide a rest for some of the players from the strain of a marathon 162 game season. It also provides a showcase for the best in the sport. But what struck me most were the hideous uniforms worn by both the American and National league players. The uniforms were a combination of tan, blue, orange and black that were difficult to look at. Call me a traditionalist but I think each player should have worn the uniform of their responsive teams. The acclaimed Yankee pinstripes, Dodger blue and white, the St. Louis cardinal perched on a bat or the Chicago Cub “C” blazoned on the left side of the uniform. Those distinguishing characteristics made you recognize your favorite team, players and the other teams. Back in the day when there was no MLB, ESPN, Prime, Fox1, Fox2 and a myriad of streaming channels you didn’t see every team play every day. So the only time you saw great players from the other league or west coast was during an All-Star game. It was nice to see Mickey Mantle, Stan “The Man” Musial, Duke Snider, Willie Mays standing all together. Then there were no names on the uniforms but you knew the numbers, the players and the unique uniform styles. You didn’t need a scorecard to tell the All-Stars.
The more things change the more I hope they will remain the same. Time marches on and progress moves us forward but if this is progress bring back team uniforms. As always stay safe, healthy and hitt’em straight….Joe Polizzi
Easy Ways to Help You ‘Eat the Rainbow’
Are you trying to eat healthier?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends adults eat 1.5-2 cups of fruit and 2-3 cups of vegetables every day, but most people find it challenging to eat enough fruits and veggies daily.
On top of that, it also recommended you eat different colored veggies and fruits, because produce of different colors (greens, reds, yellows, oranges and purples) provide a wider variety of nutrients that each offer specific health benefits.
To help you maximize the variety of plant-based foods you eat, here are some simple tips that can help you “eat the rainbow” throughout your week.
Keep color top of mind
When you go shopping, scan the produce section to widen your color spectrum. If your cart looks primarily green, add a couple of options that are other colors. Kids will likely enjoy helping you spot different-colored items so have some extra fun and shop with your kids or grandkids.
Plan your meals to be multicolored, too. Throw in bell peppers of radishes to a stir fry or salad, or even add fruits to a savory dish to help you round out the rainbow on your plate. You can also include neutral-colored veggies like onions, cauliflower and mushrooms for additional vitamins and minerals.
Make it fresh
The tastiest veggies and fruits are also the freshest. Select the freshest looking, locally grown produce when possible. Consider growing a few of your own veggies or herbs (even indoors), and check out your nearby farmers markets for seasonal fresh produce.
Store fruits and vegetables correctly to keep them fresh as long as possible. You can do a quick search online for tips to store your favorite produce. For example, drying leafy greens and then storing them in air-tight containers with layers of paper towel will help reduce moisture so they last longer in the fridge. Avoid keeping produce together with onions or bananas, as they will make other produce go bad more quickly.
Frozen is next best thing
If you find it hard to keep your produce fresh, or you run out of it before your next shopping trip, keep a selection of frozen fruits and veggies on hand to add to recipes that need a colorful nutrient boost. Frozen produce can have just as many vitamins and other nutrients as fresh options – just select products that don’t come with added sauces or sugar.
Amp up your favorites
To make it easier to eat more veggies, just add more to the dishes you already enjoy. Love tacos? Increase the ration of lettuce and tomatoes compared to meat, cheese and sauce – and consider adding other options like cabbage, onions or avocados. Make spaghetti with meat sauce? Add sliced zucchini, baby spinach and extra mushrooms to increase the veggie quotient. Any meal you regularly make can be adjusted to be a little more produce-forward.
Boost the flavor
Not a huge fan of plain old vegetable sides and salads? Add more spices and herbs to your dishes to make everything taste better. You can also top your veggie dishes with toasted nuts or grated cheese to help you love those veggies just a little bit more.
If baking is your thing, try recipes that combine sweetness with colorful vegetables, like carrot cake, zucchini bread, plus pumpkin or avocado brownies. Many types of squash are also tasty when baked with maple syrup or brown sugar to help satisfy your sweet tooth while you eat your veggies.
With online recipes at your fingertips, you can get even more creative and find plenty of ways to incorporate colorful fresh veggies and fruits into your daily routine. Your new dishes may be so good that friends and family will want to eat the rainbow right along with you.
Best Lemon Zucchini Bread Recipe-Butter Your Biscuit
Strategies to Beat Inflation
The rising cost of goods and services across the US has many Americans feeling financial stress. While you can’t directly influence the inflation rate, you can find ways to reduce your spending on things like insurance, groceries, your phone, gas and streaming services. Check out these five money-saving strategies that can help you beat inflation.
Shop around for the best insurance deals
When was the last time you shopped around for car, renters’ and home insurance? If it’s been a while, carve out time to search for a better deal. Most importantly, don’t settle for the first quote you receive.
According to a ValuePenguin survey, nearly three-quarters of Americans have shopped around for insurance, and many have saved money as a result.
Switch up your phone plan for savings
Also, many companies allow you to combine car and home or renters’ insurance for a discount. In fact, you could save an average of 18% by combining your home and auto policies.
If you’ve been with the same phone plan for a while, it might be time to explore other options. Many phone plan providers offer competitive rates and deals to new customers who make the switch.
Keep in mind that you shouldn’t just switch to any plan. Pick a carrier that will help you save and treat you well.
Choose generic bands at the grocery store
If you want to cut your grocery bill, opt for generic brands instead of name brands. You’ll be surprised at how much you can save without sacrificing quality.
Consumer reports found that three quarters of generic food items tasted as good as their brandname counterparts. How much can you save by switching to generic? The report found that depending on the food item, the generic brand cost as much as 72% less per serving than name brands.
Bundle up your subscription
How many streaming subscriptions do you pay for? According to Forbes, the average American spends $46 per month on streaming services. That may not seem like a high number, but it can quickly add up over time.
While you could cancel subscriptions, an easier and more convenient way to save while still enjoying entertainment is to look for bundles. Just like with car and home insurance, combining streaming subscriptions can give you a discount.
You may already have access to a subscription service and may be paying double. For instance, if you’re a T-Mobile Metro Flex Plus customer, you get access to Amazon Prime as part of your plan. That saves $14.99 per month.
Embrace alternative transportation methods
In April alone, gasoline increased by 2.8%. Fuel costs can add up quickly if you commute to work or school. However, you can save on fuel costs by using alternative forms of transportation. According to the American Public Transportation Association, riders can save more than $13,000 a year by using public transit.
If public transit doesn’t meet your needs, you can consider biking, walking or carpooling with friends or neighbors. You can even use a combination of these transportation methods to save and get to where you want to go.
Saving money doesn’t have to be difficult. Use these five tips and see how much you can save because every dollar counts.
Why Your Balance Changes With Age
Feeling a wee bit wobbly on your feet as you age? You're not alone. Balance-related issues are one of the most common health complaints among older people, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA).
But feeling unstable on your feet can have major consequences. Good balance is necessary to carry out even the most basic daily activities (think: walking, climbing stairs, getting in and out of a car, etc.), so if you struggle to stay steady, you're less likely to maintain independence in older age.
What's more, balance problems are a primary cause of falls in older Americans, per the NIA. Indeed, one in four older Americans will take a tumble every year, and a fifth of these falls will lead to a serious injury, such as broken bones or a head trauma, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
But why does our balance break down as we age? Here, Grayson Wickham, DPT, CSCS, founder of the Movement Vault, explains why we tend to teeter more in our golden years, plus ways to prevent it (because bad balance doesn't have to be inevitable).
1. Loss of Muscle Mass
As you age, you'll slowly start to lose muscle mass (a process known as sarcopenia that begins as early as age 30). Sarcopenia occurs due to a confluence of age-related factors including increased inactivity and hormonal changes, Wickham says.
2. Decline in Joint Mobility/Flexibility
As we know, healthy joints are essential for equilibrium. But your joints tend to take a hit once you age. Very often, this is due to a more sedentary lifestyle in your senior years.
"When you are not moving, you not only lose muscle mass, but also joint mobility and flexibility," Wickham says. And this is bad news for balance. That's because when you sit for prolonged periods of time, your muscles and joints become tight. And eventually, they won't be capable of moving as well.
3. Diminished Proprioception ( the technical term for body awareness)
As you become less physically active in older age, your proprioception will decrease too, Wickham says. Important for aging and balance, "proprioception is the ability to sense where your joints and body are at all times," he says.
"You have nerve receptors in and around your joints that send information to your brain and nervous system," Wickham says. "This means that your brain and nervous system know where your body is both consciously and subconsciously" he explains.
"When you age, and don't move often, these nerves receptors don't work as well, which leads to diminished body awareness," Wickham says.
4. Slowed Reflexes
Reflexes involuntary or automatic reactions that your body does in response to something play a pivotal part in controlling coordination, balance, posture and movement. But reflexes and reaction times tend to slow in your golden years, primarily due to inactivity and age-related degeneration of the nervous system, Wickham says. Indeed, as you age, the areas of the brain responsible for motor control lose cells and shifts in nerve fibers slow down electrical impulses, per the University of Rochester Medical Center.
5. Degeneration of the Vestibular System (the part of the inner ear involved in balance) Just like your nervous system degenerates as you age, your vestibular system can also deteriorate in your older years and is similarly impacted by other health-related biomarkers (such as inflammation, insulin and glucose regulation, etc.), Wickham says.
6. Impaired Vision
Aging can affect your eyes. In fact, older age is associated with a higher risk for certain eye diseases, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). But this shift in sight can blight your balance abilities.
You can protect your peepers and detect eye issues early on by seeing an eye doctor for regular check-ups. Start scheduling routine eye exams by the age of 40 and plan to visit your eye professional for annual (or biannual) exams once you turn 65, per the AAO.
In addition to feeling unsteady on your feet, here are additional symptoms that may signal impaired balance, per the NIA:
Dizziness or vertigo (a spinning sensation)
Falling or feeling as if you are going to fall
Lightheadedness, faintness, or a floating sensation
Blurred vision
Confusion or disorientation
Wondering how to improve your balance? While certain aspects of aging are beyond our control, there are things you can do to keep balance issues at bay.
Moving more often throughout your day and performing active stretches and mobility drills can help preserve balance. Likewise, you can reduce (and in some cases reverse) the forces of aging on your reflexes and coordination by prioritizing physical activity, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center.
2023
BIRTHDAYS ANNIVERSARIES
8/1 Sandy Hammer
8/5 Pat Zippel
8/6 Joan Russo
8/6 Ellen Silverman
8/8 Patricia Dawson
8/11 Donna Petix
8/12 D. Bruce Lockerbie
8/15 Dennis Konival
8/19 Virginia Ehlers
8/24 Angela Cipollina
8/27 Maryellen Lubinsky
8/29 Susan Connors
8/31 Harriet Cotroneo
8/2 Patrick & Eileen Duffy 8/11 Karl & Theresa Dessel
These Habits Can Help You Live to Be 100
What does it take to live to be 100 years old? If you answered good genes mixed with a little luck, you may be in for a surprise: There are actually a few habits that increase your chances of joining the “centenarian club,” according to a new study.
When it comes to lifestyle choices, physical activity appears to be the most important to extend life into the 100s, followed by never smoking and having a healthy diet, says a coauthor of the study, Xiang Gao, MD, PhD, a professor and researcher at the Institute of Nutrition at Fudan University in Shanghai.
The Big 3 Factors in Living to 100
Although there’s plenty of evidence that people following a healthy lifestyle generally have a lower risk of many chronic diseases, the researchers wanted to find out if practicing certain habits after the age of 80 would continue to have life-extending benefits.
Scientists evaluated participants’ diets based on how often they ate fruit, vegetables, fish, beans, and tea. The more often they ate foods from that group, the higher their diet diversity score.
Overall, a higher healthy-lifestyle score was associated with greater odds of reaching 100 years. When viewing each element individually, researchers found that exercise was the most important factor in longevity and was associated with a 31 percent higher likelihood a person would become a centenarian, followed by never smoking (25 percent higher chance) and a healthy diet (23 percent more likely).
Alcohol Use and BMI (Body Mass Index) Weren’t Linked to Living to 100
Researchers didn’t find a significant link between alcohol use or BMI and the likelihood of living to be 100 years old. Investigators suggested that moderate alcohol use wasn't necessarily related to adverse health outcomes, and that a higher BMI may have a protective effect against frailty in older people.
When scientists calculated the healthy-lifestyle score using only exercise, diet, and smoking status, they found that a higher score was even more strongly linked to centenarians. Compared with people with the lowest score, people with the highest healthy-lifestyle score were 60 percent more likely to be a centenarian.
This type of study can be valuable but represents only one pillar in our understanding of how people can live longer.
It’s Never Too Late to Start Making Healthy Changes
Dr. Longo agrees a healthy lifestyle can help improve the chances of seeing your 100th birthday, and says that it’s never too late to make positive changes, especially when it comes to a healthy diet.
People who get regular exercise, see good healthcare providers, and have a biological age lower than their chronological age all have improved chances of hitting the century mark as well.
Biological age is based on an analysis of chemical modifications in your DNA that can estimate how quickly or slowly you’re aging compared with your peers.
Here are Dr. Longo’s tips for eating to live longer.
Eat mostly vegan. Longo suggests a primarily plant-based diet that limits meals with fish to a maximum of two or three per week. Choose seafood with a high omega-3, omega-6, and vitamin B12 content (salmon, anchovies, sardines, cod, sea bream, trout, clams, shrimp) and try to choose ones with low levels of mercury. Keep protein intake low. If you are younger than 65, keep protein intake low between 0.31 to 0.36 grams (g) per pound of body weight. That comes to 40 to 47 g of proteins per day for a person weighing 130 pounds (lb), and 60 to 70 g of protein per day for someone weighing 200 to 220 lb. After age 65, you should slightly increase protein intake by way of fish, other lean proteins, eggs, dairy (he suggests goat and sheep products), beans, nuts, and legumes. Minimize saturated fats from animal and vegetable sources. Limit meat, cheese, and sugar, and maximize good fats and complex carbs. Focus on whole grains and veggies. That includes tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, and legumes and generous amounts of olive oil (3 tablespoons per day).
Bring Life Back To Your Well-Loved Baking Sheets With This Medicine Cabinet Staple
Are your once-gleaming baking sheets now tarnished and worn from the countless culinary adventures they've embarked upon? Fear not, for the solution lies within the confines of your medicine cabinet: hydrogen peroxide. This unassuming household staple, renowned for its antiseptic prowess, holds a hidden talent as a formidable cleaning agent. How can this product breathe new life into your beloved baking sheets, ensuring they are ready for many more delicious creations?
Understanding why and how hydrogen peroxide works its magic is crucial in appreciating its effectiveness in reviving your baking sheets. Hydrogen peroxide, with its unique chemical composition of two hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms (H2O2), undergoes a bubbling reaction when it comes into contact with organic matter. This includes the remnants of baked-on foods and greasy build-up on your baking sheets. The bubbling action is a visual cue that the hydrogen peroxide is actively breaking down these residues, making them easier to lift and wipe away. Let's understand why these baking sheets lose their luster in the first place.
The residue of baked-on delights, grease, and stubborn stains can accumulate over time, detracting from the sheet's aesthetic appeal and potentially affecting its performance. What makes this household staple effective is its effervescent nature, which proves instrumental in breaking down the toughest stains, stubborn grease, and the residual aftermath of countless baking sessions on your cherished sheets.
Hydrogen peroxide, with its bubbling action and oxidative prowess, is an effective cleaner on its own. However, the addition of baking soda elevates its cleaning power to a whole new level. Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a mild alkaline compound that interacts with hydrogen peroxide in a way that enhances its effectiveness. When these two ingredients are combined, they create a slightly abrasive paste with a pH that is more conducive to breaking down stubborn residues.
Before diving into the cleaning process, it's crucial to note that baking soda can potentially damage certain types of baking sheets, such as aluminum and non-stick varieties. Keep this in mind as you choose your cleaning method. Using hydrogen peroxide alone might be a safer alternative to avoid potential damage. This way, you can still harness the impressive cleaning capabilities of hydrogen peroxide while keeping your baking sheets in good condition.
Make up a paste with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. This preliminary step sets the stage for the subsequent cleaning process. Apply the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda paste generously to the stained and greasy areas of your baking sheets. Allow this magical concoction to work its charm for a couple of hours. During this time, the paste penetrates and loosens the stubborn residues, preparing them for a thorough cleansing.
Wipe away the mixture, and if necessary, use a non-abrasive sponge or brush, take to the sheets, and scrub away the loosened grime. Focus on areas that require extra attention, ensuring a proper clean. As you scrub, you'll notice the onceresilient stains yielding to the combined power of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Rinse the baking sheets thoroughly with water, removing any remaining residue and leaving behind a gleaming surface.
The result? Baking sheets that not only look brand new but are also ready to accompany you on countless more culinary adventures.
Are You Diabetic? Don’t Forget to Eat Your Blueberries
While all foods affect your blood sugar, those that contain carbohydrates are the ones that will impact it the most. The bloodstream carries usable energy (blood sugar) to all your body cells to be fueled. When you have diabetes, being strategic about what you eat, how much you eat and how often you eat can help your body to regulate blood sugar efficiently. And when choosing fruit with the least impact on your blood sugar levels, here’s what registered dietitians who are also certified diabetes educators recommend.
The Best Fruit for Diabetes
While all fruits can be enjoyed when living with diabetes, some have fewer carbs and less naturally occurring sugar than others. When selecting our No. 1 fruit for diabetes, we chose blueberries and here’s why.
Low in Sugar
Jocelyn Loran, RD, LDN, CDCES, a clinical dietitian specialist and diabetes educator at the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center, always recommends blueberries to her patients with diabetes. She says, "When compared to some other fruits, you can get a larger serving of blueberries."
Fresh and frozen blueberries are low in sugar, with 1 cup of blueberries providing 22 grams of carbohydrates, with 15 grams of naturally occurring sugars, per USDA data
Packed with Fiber
Blueberries are packed with fiber, meaning that the naturally occurring sugar in the berries is absorbed slowly into the bloodstream. One cup of blueberries contains almost 4 grams of fiber. Berries' high fiber content not only helps prevent sugar spikes but also promotes fullness.
Aside from being high in fiber and low in natural sugar, blueberries are a great source of other health-supporting nutrients. Blueberries are rich in polyphenols, a group of nutrients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may offer health benefits. Research shows that blueberries’ polyphenols may help protect against cardiovascular diseases and improve blood pressure, per a 2023 review in Food Production, Processing and Nutrition
Specifically, anthocyanins, a type of chemical that gives berries their deep blue-purple color, may also be linked to reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and obesity, according to a 2020 review published in Advances in Nutrition.
Blueberries are also good sources of other essential nutrients like vitamin C, which supports healthy skin and wound healing and vitamin K, which plays a role in blood clotting.
You can enjoy blueberries in various ways fresh, frozen and canned. When fruits are in season, they are more available and probably at a lesser cost than when they aren’t. The great thing about buying fresh blueberries is that you can freeze them to use later.
Canned blueberries are another option for enjoying this delicious fruit. However, they most likely are canned in syrup, which can add to the amount of sugar. "Look for those canned in light syrup and rinse the berries in a colander under water before consuming … to decrease the added sugar content," Loran recommends.
In addition to eating blueberries alone, pair them with some lean protein, such as low-fat cheese, Greek yogurt or healthy fats, like nuts, seeds and avocados, to help slow down the release of their natural sugars into the bloodstream.
Angelina Bañuelos-Gonzalez, M.S., RDN, CDCES, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator from Nudj Health, loves putting frozen blueberries into yogurt. Bañuelos-Gonzalez adds, "The night before I want to eat them, I will set up a serving of yogurt and frozen berries in a container and put it back in the fridge. By morning, the berries have thawed out, and the juice has infused the yogurt, maximizing taste and satisfying my hunger."
Catherine Howard, RDN, LD, CDCES, with RET Physical Therapy and Healthcare Specialists, shares that she loves adding blueberries to salad greens. Howard says, "The combination of fiber and carbohydrate from blueberries plus protein and fat from pecans [and feta] helps blood sugar to rise slowly and gradually."
Blueberries are one of the best fruits for diabetes. They are nutrient-packed, delicious, versatile and visually appealing. They can be conveniently included in snacks, side dishes, baked goods, meals and desserts. You can easily find fresh, frozen and canned blueberries at most grocery stores, making them pretty accessible.
Hacks That Remove Hard Water Stains Easier Than Ever
Have you ever noticed yellow or pink stains that build up along your bathtub, sink, faucets, or countertops? Chances are, these stains are due to hard water, caused by surplus amounts of calcium and magnesium. One of the reasons that hard water can lead to buildups and stains is that you can't remove it with soap. In fact, soap and calcium can even combine to create this difficult-to-remove residue. That's also why many common cleaning products don't work well to eradicate hard water stains.
According to Forbes, about 85% of American homes have hard water. If you're one of these, there are some simple solutions available to you. You don't have to run to the store to purchase pricey chemical cleaners or install a full-home water softener. Instead, there are a few hard water cleaning hacks that you can try. Many even use materials you probably already have on hand.
Use A Toothbrush To Clean Hard Water Stains More Effectively
There are a lot of different products out there that market themselves as cleaners for hard water stains. However, even if you use the right product, it won't work if you aren't using it with the right tool. When cleaning off stains, you may be tempted to reach for paper towels, microfiber cloths, or just a plain old rag. Unfortunately, none of these are abrasive enough to really combat the calcium and magnesium buildups. You need something that can really break apart the mineral residue like a toothbrush.
It may sound tedious to scrub the entire bathtub with a toothbrush, but the hard bristles work so much better than a cloth. In the end, you'll find that the process will actually be easier and faster. One of the best ways to use this hack is when cleaning out showerheads and faucets. Remove the showerhead and soak in distilled white vinegar or your favorite cleaning product, and then gently scrub away the solution with a toothbrush. The bristles will help clean out all the small spaces where the minerals from your hard water have built up.
When Life Gives You Lemons, Clean The Kitchen
Vinegar is often used as a common household cleaner. It is acidic, so helps break down many different kinds of stains to make cleaning easier. However, another common kitchen staple is also acidic lemons! And, their juice does a great job of breaking down the minerals that are left behind in hard water stains. When the acid reacts with the calcium and magnesium, it eats away at the minerals so that you can scrub away the stains more easily.
In order to make this hack work, you need to let the lemon juice soak. You can rub half a cut fruit over your faucets and then let that sit, or you can fill a container with lemon juice and vinegar and soak your showerhead. Using both acids will help break apart the mineral buildup even more quickly. Then, use a toothbrush to really clean out any nooks and crannies. Otherwise, you can wipe the lemon, or lemon and vinegar, away with a cloth or a paper towel.
Does Coca-Cola Really Work To Clean
Hard Water Stains?
Using Coca-Cola to clean your toilet might sound like a wild idea, but it does work! If you've ever been in a spot where you need to clean hard water stains from a toilet, try pouring some Coke down the edges of the bowl. You'll want to pour slowly and evenly, letting it drip down the edge before going in for another round.
Then, use a toilet brush to gently scrub away the Coke and watch it take the hard water stains with it. When you have hard water, the mineral buildup can form what is called limescale. This is what causes stains, and can block pipes and wear out appliances. The acidity in Coke breaks this substance down and makes it much easier to clean.
That being said, Coca-Cola is also a very sugary drink, so it doesn't work for cleaning all hard water stains. For example, if you use it to clean out a bathtub, you'll need to use another cleaner after to remove any sticky residue. But, once again, it
can be a great trick for quickly cleaning a toilet that has bad hard water stains in the bowl.
The “U-Rule” for Storing Open Bags of Frozen Vegetables
If you aren’t shopping in the freezer aisle every week, you’re missing out on some of the best foods the grocery store has to offer. In those chilly cabinets are eye-poppingly delicious and straightforward staples that help us keep cooking all week long. In fact, no grocery run should be considered complete without a restock of frozen veggies.
Frozen vegetables are usually prepped and par-cooked before freezing, which saves time in the kitchen, and because they are stored at such cold temperatures, they don’t spoil as quickly as fresh vegetables do (a win for combating food waste). Plus, despite what you may have heard, frozen foods are just as nutritious as their fresh counterparts.
The best way to get the most from the frozen vegetables is to make sure you store them well. A trick that former editor of The Kitchen, Meghan Splawn, uses to keep bags of marshmallows fresh works just as well for frozen peas and carrots (or any other bagged veg you might have on hand): Stop cutting the bags straight across the top and, instead, use the “U-Rule” to open and later tie the packaging closed.
Freezers can be the most chaotic area of the kitchen. People use chip clips and clothespins to secure bags of frozen foods that can snap off when you’re digging through the freezer. Other times people shove the bags into freezer zip-top bags, which always seems like a waste. Open, half-empty bags of frozen peas haphazardly shoved in the freezer is not an uncommon sight in freezers all over the country.
Besides the inconvenience of having a shower of loose frozen peas scattered all over, none of these options were all that efficient. They certainly didn’t help prevent freezer burn, either. Which is why we should all take a cue from Meghan and create a “U-Rule” to open bags of frozen vegetables.
Simply hold an unopened bag by the top two corners and shake the contents down to the bottom. Use a pair of scissors to make a 1 1/2inch cut straight down, about a third of the way in from each corner. Then fold this center flap slightly toward you, so you can cut across the part of the bag connecting the straight down cuts. You should have removed a U-shaped piece of the packaging, and the bag should resemble the shape of a plastic grocery bag.
Shake out the portion of the vegetables needed, then grasp the corners of the packaging again and tie into a knot. Press out as much air as possible, not only to make the bag compact for storage, but also to prevent the dreaded freezer burn. That’s it! Using the “U-Rule” to tie the frozen vegetable bags back on themselves is the best solution for freezer storage.
Are Sushi and Sashimi the Same?
For a lot of people, the words ‘sushi’ and ‘sashimi’ are used interchangeably. Actually, they are two separate and distinct types of Japanese food.
Sushi is a dish made of vinegared rice combined with seafood, vegetables, egg and, in the world of nouvelle cuisine, other items from beef to barbecue chicken. Sushi does not mean “raw fish,” but “vinegar[ed] rice.”
While much of the fish used to make sushi is raw, some of the items are blanched, boiled, broiled, marinated or sautéed. Sushi was originally developed as a snack food as the story goes, to serve at gambling parlors so the gamblers could take quick bites without stopping the action.
There are different styles of sushi:
• Nigiri-sushi, slices of fish or other foods on pads of rice (nigiri means hand-formed).
• Maki-sushi, rolled sushi (including hand rolls, temaki sushi, fish and other items served on top of a bowl of vinegared sushi rice (chirashi means to scatter).
• Oshi-sushi, squares or rectangles of pressed rice topped with vinegared or cooked fish, made in a Wooden mold (oshi means pushed or pressed).
• Stuffed sushi, including chakin-zushi or fukusa-sushi, ingredients wrapped in a thin egg crêpe
• Inari-sushi, with ingredients stuffed into a small pouch of fried bean curd (tofu).
Sashimi is sliced fish that is served with a bowl of regular boiled rice on the side (the word means “pierced body,” and may derive from the culinary practice of keeping the fish’s tail and fin with the cut slices to identify the fish being eaten.
Maki-sushi right and left, nigiri –sushi in the center
Chirashi –sushi
Inari-sushi
4 pork chops (bone in or out doesn't really matter)
½ cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon oil
¼ cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup peach preserves, plus additional for serving
Whisk broth and oil together in a small bowl. Add soy sauce and whisk well. Whisk in garlic powder, ginger and salt. Stir in preserves and mix well.
Pour marinade onto pork chops and let marinate, refrigerated for 30 minutes or place in a resealable plastic bag and marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
Preheat an outdoor grill. Add pork chops to gill and discard marinade.
Cook until pork is no longer pink, about 15 minutes depending on the thickness of your chops.
1 pkg. Pillsbury Thin Crust Pizza Dough
½ cup Salsa I use medium, pick your heat
2 cups Cooked Chicken
1 ½ cups bell peppers (any color) sliced,
¼ cup red onion sliced
2 cups shredded cheese, any kind you like
2 Tbsp. cilantro rough chop
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Pop open the roll of dough and stretch it thin. Not see-thru thin, but about the size of a jelly roll pan. Grab a spoon and spread your salsa over the dough.
Sprinkle ½ of the shredded cheese right over the salsa.
Layer on your chicken, peppers and onion. Now cover that flatbread pizza with the remaining cheese.
Bake for 10 - 15 minutes depending on your oven. The cheese should have melted and the crust should be a nice golden-brown color.
