February 28, 2024 Amityville

Baked

Baked

Baked

Penne

Penne

Warning Signs Of Developing Mental Health Issues

Various mental illnesses are more common among women than men, including depression and anxiety. The Mayo Clinic says it’s common to have mental health concerns from time to time, but when one of those concerns becomes frequent or affects one’s ability to function, it becomes an illness.

According to Clearview Treatment Programs, women often live with mental illness for months, even years before seeking treatment. Individuals may not realize the severity of their conditions, or they may mistake mental

illness for stress or feeling overwhelmed. Even though the stigma surrounding mental health issues has decreased considerably in recent years, women still face societal barriers, says McLean Mass General Brigham Hospital. Women may not be inclined to discuss their issues and, in turn, fail to receive prompt care.

Signs of mental illness vary, depending on the disorder and additional variables. A condition may affect a person’s emotions, behaviors and thoughts. Some signs of a burgeoning mental illness

include:

• Significant changes in sleep habits, which may include sleeping more or not at all.

• Changes in eating behaviors, which may include binge eating or going without food.

• Women tend to internalize mental illness, and symptoms can include ruminating, withdrawal from activities and generally retreating from life.

• Physical conditions that cannot be explained, such as headaches, stomach aches, chronic

pain, and even high blood pressure.

• Emotional lability, which means rapid mood swings from happiness to anger and sadness.

• Confused thinking or a reduced ability to concentrate.

• Excessive fears or worries.

• Detachment from reality, resulting in delusions.

• Trouble relating to situations and people.

• Changes to sex drive.

• Excessive anger or hostility.

• Suicidal thoughts or attempts.

Mental illness can affect anyone. According to research, women may have a higher propensity to develop certain mental health conditions and thus need to be aware of the symptoms of those disorders. Anyone in crisis should call 911 or their local emergency number immediately.

Moderate-Intensity Activities That Can Improve Overall Health

Exercise is an important component of a healthy lifestyle.

The current Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services indicates adults need 150 minutes of moderateintensity physical activity each week. But what constitutes moderateintensity physical activity?

Moderate-intensity physical activity gets the heart pumping, but only around one in five adults and teens get enough exercise to

maintain good health, says the American Heart Association. It may be because people are having difficulty figuring out what constitutes moderateintensity activity. Here is a more detailed explanation of the types of activities considered moderateintensity.

· Walking very briskly (roughly four miles per hour)

· Heavy cleaning, like washing windows, vacuuming and mopping

· Mowing the lawn with a power mower

· Bicycling with light effort (10 to 12 miles per hour)

· Playing recreational badminton

· Playing doubles tennis

· Shooting a basketball

· Water aerobics

· Playing volleyball

· Heavy gardening

· Painting and decorating

Anything that doesn’t increase heart rate and breathing speed will not count as moderateintensity activity towards the recommended amount of activity. However, any exercise is better than no exercise at all. As long as an activity breaks up long periods of sitting still, doctors says it is still beneficial.

PUBLISHER

Jeff Lambert

ASSISTANT TO THE

Patty Franks

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Josh Marlowe

CIRCULATION

Joe Lambert

ADMINISTRATION Teri Tinkler

Diana Lambert

Dorrine Lambert

ADMIN

Natalie Raccuglia MANAGING EDITOR

Felicia Edwards

MARKETING MANAGER

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Carol Link Bob Liquorie

Nicole

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Stephan Schulze

PROOFREADING

&

WELLNESS

How To Protect Long-Term Cognitive Health

Cognitive health is not something to take for granted. Although a certain level of memory loss can be expected as people age, when the ability to clearly think, learn and remember is compromised, those changes can affect an individual’s ability to perform daily activities and should serve as a cause for concern.

Brain health should be a priority for everyone. The National Institute on Aging says brain health is an umbrella term that encompasses a host of factors, including:

· cognitive health, which is how well you think, learn

and remember

· motor function, or how you make and control movements

· tactile function, which is how you feel sensations; and

· emotional function, or how emotions are interpreted and responded to.

Individuals can safeguard brain health - particularly cognitive health - by taking these steps.

Be more health-conscious

Working with doctors, individuals can put their

health first. This includes getting routine screenings, managing chronic health problems, limiting or avoiding alcohol and nicotine products, and getting the recommended amount of sleep each night.

Manage high blood pressure

All chronic conditions cause long-term repercussions, but the NIA indicates that observational studies show having high blood pressure in mid-life increases the risk of cognitive decline later in life. Lowering blood pressure lowers the risk for mild cognitive

impairment and possibly dementia.

Challenge your brain

Harvard Medical School says nurturing social contacts, engaging in stimulating mental activities like reading and doing puzzles, seeing new places, and learning new things can help keep the brain in top form.

Manage stress

Stress can take its toll on the body, and there is reason to believe that it may adversely affect cognitive health as well. Make every stride to reduce stress, whether that involves taking vacations,

meditating, laughing with friends and family, or engaging in relaxing activities that relieve stress.

Get enough vitamin D

Vitamin D is linked to a host health benefits, including its potential to promote a healthy brain. Individuals can get more time outdoors to get vitamin D naturally from the sun and eat foods rich in vitamin D. If doctors find that vitamin D levels are exceptionally low, supplementation can help.

Northeast Elementary School Kicks Off Black History Month Celebration

Pay attention to hearing loss

Certain hearing loss has been linked to cognitive decline, says Healthline. Researchers in Italy concluded that people with central hearing loss had a higher risk of mild cognitive impairment than those with no hearing loss or peripheral hearing loss. Individuals with central hearing loss are urged to speak to their physicians to determine if they can take preventive action to stave off further decline.

On Feb. 1, students at Northeast Elementary School in Amityville were eager to kick off their schoolwide Black History Month

celebration. Several guest readers visited classrooms at Northeast as they read numerous books such as “ABC Black History and Me” by

Queenbe Monyei, “Jabari Jumps”

by Gaia Cornwall, and “I Promise” by LeBron James. The guest readers included the district’s

Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Gina Talbert, the district’s Administrative Assistant Eddie Backus, and several community

leaders.

Northeast thanks all of the guest readers who took time to read with the school’s pre-K students.

Legislator Donnelly And County Office For The Aging Announce Babylon Winter Senior Advocate Schedule

Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) is pleased to inform Babylon residents about the local Suffolk County Office for the Aging Winter 2024 Senior Advocate Schedule. Senior advocates are County representatives who come out into the community and assist seniors with information gathering, completion of eligibility or recertification applications and referrals to appropriate community agencies.

“This is an excellent chance for senior citizens to get the assistance and information they need by connecting with the County’s senior advocates right in their own communities,” said Legislator Donnelly. “I hope all those interested in the services that the Suffolk County Office for

the Aging provides will take advantage of this opportunity.”

Senior Advocates will be visiting the following locations in the Town of Babylon:

• Deer Park Library, 44 Lake Avenue, Deer Park: Friday, March 15, 9 – 11 am

• North Amityville Nutrition Center, 48-C Cedar Road, Amityville: Wednesday, March 20, 10 am – 1 pm

• Rainbow Center, 293 Buffalo Avenue, Lindenhurst: Wednesday, March 6, 8:30 – 11:00 am

• Tanner Park Senior Nutrition, 2 Tanner Park, Copiague: Wednesday, March 13, 8:30 am – 1 pm

• Spangle Drive Center, 4385 Spangle Drive, North Babylon: Tuesday, March 19, 12 – 3:30 pm

• West Babylon Library,

211 Route 109, West Babylon: Thursday, March 28, 10 am – 12 pm

• Wyandanch Senior Nutrition, 28 Wyandanch Avenue, Wyandanch: Monday, & March 6, 8:30 am – 1 pm

Advocates assist with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP – formerly known as food stamps), Medicare Savings Program and Heating Emergency Assistance Program (HEAP) applications. They also can provide information on Medicare, answer questions and make recommendations and referrals. For more information about available services or directions to any of these locations, please call the Suffolk County Office for the Aging at (631) 8538200.

“For more than three decades, the Suffolk County Office for the Aging has been providing full and trouble-free access to critical services,” Donnelly said. “I am glad to see their great professional community outreach program continue and hope that every senior resident will make full use of it.”

Just In Time For Mother’s Day!

The Amityville Kiwanis Club will be holding their annual Craft & Antique Fair on Saturday, May 4, 2024 with a rain date of Saturday, May 11, 2024.

VENDORS WANTED. Be a part of this successful event at the Amityville beach pavilions. For questions and vendor information email amityvillekiwanis craftfair@gmail.com

asked to commit to all four sessions.

The hotline was established in 1980 by women who had been in a support group and wanted to help others. Today it is the oldest breast cancer hotline in the country. Says Lori F, a hotline volunteer since 2022, “It is an indescribable feeling to give hope to someone who feels hopeless.”

Volunteer will receive on-line training in the following areas: community outreach, educational presentations, hotline, speaking engagements, publicity, and fundraising.

For more information and to set up an initial interview, contact social worker Nina Foley at 516-877-4315 or email at nfoley@adelphi. edu. For information about the hotline and support program can be found online at breast-canceradelphi. edu.

Courtney Byrne -

HEALTH& Ribbon Cutting Fortunate Hand Coffee House And Tattoo Studio

WELLNESS

Stay Healthy While Pregnant

Pregnancy can be an exciting time in a couple’s life. Ensuring mother and child stay healthy is a foremost concern during pregnancy, and women can do various things to maintain their health during this magical time in their lives.

· Avoid tobacco and alcohol. It is never a good idea to smoke or drink alcohol while pregnant. The moment a woman learns she is pregnant, she should cease these habits if she is a smoker and/or drinker.

· Visit an obstetrician for prenatal testing. A health care provider can counsel a woman through the stages of her pregnancy. Routine blood tests and additional screenings are part of prenatal care, which is important for learning about the development of the fetus and ensuring a healthy pregnancy.

· Healthy eating is important. Nemours Kids Health says eating a nutritious diet is important for anyone, but when a woman is pregnant she needs to pay special attention to her diet to boost her baby’s growth and

development. Nutritious foods include lean meats, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.

· Increase fluid intake. It is important for a pregnant woman to drink plenty of water and other healthy beverages to support the life inside her. Water can prevent excessive swelling of limbs and urinary tract/ bladder infections and help a woman avoid constipation. The Institute of Medicine recommends roughly 10 cups of fluids daily.

· Maintain a healthy weight. Weight gain is common during pregnancy, but it is important to avoid gaining too much extra weight. Physical fitness helps keep the heart, bones and mind healthy during pregnancy. So after checking with her doctor, a pregnant woman should engage in workouts that align with her physical abilities.

· Be mindful of medication. Certain over-the-counter and prescription medications are unsafe during pregnancy. A woman should speak with her

doctor to find out which medications should be avoided.

· Take an Rh factor blood test. According to the Mayo Clinic, Rh factor is an inherited protein found on the surface of red blood cells. Having the protein makes a person Rh positive. The absence of the protein makes one Rh negative. Rh positive is much more common. During pregnancy, problems may arise if a mother is Rh negative and the baby is Rh positive. Although the blood of both mother and fetus don’t usually mix during pregnancy, a small amount can mix during the birth, introducing antibodies. While this will not affect a first pregnancy, subsequent pregnancies can be impacted. An injection of Rh immune globulin typically will be administered if a woman is Rh negative during pregnancy. A second shot may come after the birth if her infant is found to be Rh positive.

Women can employ various strategies to increase their chances of enjoying a healthy pregnancy.

HOUSE AND TATTOO

STUDIO - The Amityville Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the Grand Opening of a new business, Fortunate Hand Coffee House and Tattoo Studio at 17 W. Oak Street in Amityville. On hand were owners Katelyn Pipinou

Unity Quest Festivities

On Feb. 5, students at Edmund W. Miles Middle School in Amityville promoted the message, “Better Together” during the school’s Unity Quest celebration.

Throughout the day, students and teachers participated in numerous engaging activities to share the importance of unity, team building, leadership, growth mindset, social-

emotional learning and cultural diversity. The activities included line dancing, unity circles, pencil drawings and more.

RIBBON CUTTING — FORTUNATE HAND COFFEE

(Barista) and Brendan Grimes (Artist), their fathers George Pipinou and Steven Grimes and members of the Amityville Chamber of Commerce including Jeff Erath, Martha Peterson, Bob Liquorie, Kristyn Langstrand and Pat Brennan. Photo by Kristyn Langstrand

UNITY QUEST FESTIVITIES - On Feb. 5, students and teachers at Edmund W. Miles Middle School in Amityville participated in numerous engaging activities during the school’s Unity Quest celebration. Photo courtesy of the Amityville Union Free School District

March Happenings

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28

7:00PM

REPUBLIC AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING

The next public meeting of the Republic Airport Commission will be held at 7150 Republic Airport, Rm 201, Farmingdale NY. Please call 631-752-7707 x6109 or send an email at info@republicairport.net for more information.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29

7:00PM-8:00PM

VINYL LISTENING CLUB

Stop by the Connetquot Public Library to hear an eclectic mix of music ranging from jazz, blues, country, classical, rock, and everything in between. Attend as a listener or bring a record of your own to share with other vinyl enthusiasts. A turntable will be provided. No registration required. For more information, please call the library at 631-567-5079 or visit their website at www.connetquotlibrary.org.

7:00PM-9:00PM

VOGUE IN THE VILLAGE FASHION SHOW

Join the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and Theatre Three for the 2024 Port Jefferson Vogue in the Village Fashion Show held at Theatre Three! See fashion and accessories by local businesses. The first 100 tickets holders who arrive will receive a swag bag! $20 per person (cash or check) or $25 (credit card or online). For more information, please visit their website at www.portjeffchamber.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 1

8:00PM

WEST ISLIP ORCHESTRA CONCERT

Make a submission! Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run free of charge on a space available basis. For more info, call 631.226.2636 x211 or send events to natalieraccuglia@longislandmediagroup.com.

Paul Little will be conducting in "No Ceilings: Women in Music"

The concert will be featuring Eliana Kirkup, Harpist. Held at West Islip Beach Street Middle School, Beach Street West Islip. Students free, adults $10. Visit their website at www.westisliporchestra.org or please call 631-661-8348 for more information.

SATURDAY, MARCH 2

9:00AM-4:00PM

ANTIQUE DECOY & SPORTING

COLLECTIBLES SHOW

Hosted by the Long Island Decoy Collectors Association at IBEW Union Hall in Hauppauge. Admission is $7, children 12 and under get in free. For tickets and registration, please visit their website at www.lidecoycollectors.com.

6:00PM

CHEF COMPETITION

Visit Grace United Methodist Church in Lindenhurst to cook your favorite entrée or dessert or just taste and cast your vote. Admission is $10. RSVP to Harry at 631-842-7056 or the church at 631-226-8690.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6

6:00PM-7:30PM

PARENTING A SECOND TIME AROUND

An 8 week program for grandparents or other caregivers being held at Sunshine Prevention Center in Port Jefferson Station. This workshop will consist of discipline and guidance, care for oneself as caregiver, rebuilding a family, living with teens, legal issues and advocacy. Babysitting is provided as needed but MUST pre-register. No Fees. For more information call 631-476-3099.

SATURDAY, MARCH 9

9:00AM-4:00PM

THE NEW SEAFORD GUN SHOW

Held at the Seaford American Legion on Saturday the 9th and Sunday the 10th (9AM-3PM). Admission is $10, kids under 12 are free with a parent or guardian. For further information, please call 516-221-7380.

4:30PM-7:30PM

ST. PATRICK'S DAY DINNER

The First Presbyterian Church of Greenlawn is hosting a St. Patrick's Day Dinner. It's $30 per person and includes a corned beef and cabbage dinner with potatoes, carrots, irish soda bread, beverages, coffee and dessert. The Mulvahill-Lynch School Irish Dancers will be performing. Call Priscilla to reserve your seat and arrange pre-payment. RSVP by March 1st. Call 631-379-4889 for more information.

SATURDAY, MARCH 16

11:30AM-1:00PM

BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY

Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Lindenhurst is hosting a bereavement ministry group that will continue until May 18th on Saturdays. Registration is required. If interested please call Linda Arpino at 631-592-1062 or email forubabe77@aol.com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 17

2:00PM

JOURNEY–CROSS & CRUCIFIXION

Creative Ministries presents Journey– Cross & Crucifixion. Presented at Saints Cyril & Methodius in Deer Park. For more information visit www.CMPAC.com or call 631-218-2810.

Did You Know?

United States President Joe Biden is the only American president to turn 80 while in office. Upon his inauguration on January 21, 2021, President Biden became the oldest person to ever hold the office of President of the United States. President Biden’s predecessor, President Donald Trump, who was

70 years old when he took office in 2017, had been the oldest person at the time of his inauguration. As of late 2023, both men were considered favorites to be nominated by their respective parties in the 2024 presidential election, which should push the average age at inauguration even higher.

The Rules About Leap

modern leap year took place in 1752.

Certain guidelines were established to determine which years would be leap years. A leap year typically arrives every four years. However, in terms of endof-century years, they must be divisible by 400. That is why the year 2000 was a leap year but 1900 was not, according to Royal Museums Greenwich.

This approach is a partially foolproof plan since there still may be very small discrepancies in time. Leap seconds have been added to keep time

ticking correctly at various points throughout the years. This occurred on December 31 in the years 2005, 2008, and 2012, and also on June 30, 2015.

In terms of adding a day to the calendar for the leap year, it is placed in February, which already is the shortest month. While February is typically 28 days, in leap years the month features 29 days. A leap year next occurs in February 2024, and then again in 2028, 2032, and 2036.

Autos Want ed

CASH FOR CARS Sell Yo ur

Local

ed Dept. 631-226-2636 Ext. 276

BUYING? SEL LING? RENT ING?

Place your ad in the Classi fieds 631 -2 26-2636 Ext. 27 6

THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experi enced Sa les Repr esentatives will as si st you. We c an help y ou with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv erti si ng program for you. Y ou'll be gl ad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, Ext. 276

THE power of CLASSIFIED!

BUYING? SELLING? RENTING?

Place your ad in the Classifieds 631-226-2636 Ext. 276

THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experi enced Sa les Repr esentatives will as si st you. We c an help y ou with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv erti si ng program for you. Y ou'll be gl ad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, ext. 276

Painting

Painting Paperhanging

N. 6thSt., Lindenhurst

W. Granada Ave., Lindenhurst

Shore Rd., Lindenhurst

Newcastle Ct., Ridge

August Rd., N. Babylon

S. 2nd St., Lindenhurst 17th St., W. Babylon

Cranberry St., Central Islip

S. 29th St., Wyandanch

Waco St., Lindenhurst

Frederick Ave., Merrick

White St., N. Babylon

Riviera Pkwy., Lindenhurst

W. 3rd St., Deer Park

Heathcote Rd., Lindenhurst

Clocks Blvd., Massapequa

Beachview St., Copiague

Washington Blvd., N. Bellmore

N. Broome Ave., Lindenhurst

Dakota St., Ronkonkoma

Connecticut Ave., Massapequa

S. 19th St, Wyandanch

West Ct., West Islip

Bellmore Ave., Bellmore

E. Lido Prom., Lindenhurst

Merrick Rd., Massapequa

Townhouse Vlg. Dr., Hauppauge

S. 8th St., Lindenhurst

Huron St., Port Jefferson

West End Ave., Freeport Clove Ct., Seaford

Willetts Ln., West Islip

Centre Ave., Lindenhurst

Linton Ave., Lindenhurst

W. Riviera, Lindenhurst

S. 15th St., Lindenhurst

Fulton St., Deer Park

Jamaica Ave., Wyandanch

Granada Pkwy., Lindenhurst

N. Indiana Ave., Lindenhurst

E. Montauk Hwy., Lindenhurst

N. Jefferson Ave., Lindenhurst

289 33rd St, Lindenhurst

170 Schley Ave, Lindenhurst

136 Daniel St, Lindenhurst

W. Minerva Rd., Lindenhurst

Great Neck Rd., Amityville

& SCALA/BACCA Annual Student Show

The Suffolk County Art Leaders Association (SCALA), in partnership with The Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts (BACCA), present the SCALA/BACCA Annual Student Show at Babylon Old Town Hall, 47 West Main Street, Babylon, NY 11702. The Annual Student Show invites students in Suffolk County, whose districts are members of SCALA, to submit their artwork to be displayed through March 5, 2024 the exhibition will feature work by students in grades 9-12, and from March 9 to April 25, 2024 students in grades K-8 will be featured. The exhibit will be open to the public through April 23, 2024 , Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm, with the exception of Town of Babylon Holidays and March 6th. Additional viewing hours may be scheduled by emailing info@babylonarts.org.

All County and Senior Scholarship Show, through March 5th:

Artwork by students in grades 9-12 will be displayed. The art will be

judged and awards for best in show, best in each of seven categories, and honorable mention will be presented. BACCA will be presenting a “BACCA Award” to one artist in each category. There is also a Senior Scholarship category which requires seniors chosen to submit 3 pieces of artwork along with a written essay considering this year’s theme: “What impact would you like your artwork to have?”

The Children’s Show, March 9th - April 23:

Children in grades K-8 will display their artwork, and a reception will be held on March 23, 2024 for the participants.

Babylon Old Town Hall is accessible from the Babylon station of the LIRR, and there is ramp and elevator access at the rear of Old Town Hall off of Cottage Row.

For information about SCALA, please visit www. scalaart.org.

For information about the exhibit, please contact Liz Mirarchi at info@ babylonarts.org.

HEALTH

WELLNESS

Activities To Strengthen The Heart

The heart is a vital component of the human body. Without a functional heart, life is simply not possible. As with other muscles in the body, it is important to give the heart a workout to improve its strength and vitality. Intermountain Health says an individual who dos not exercise is more than twice as likely to get heart disease as someone who does. UCI Health says heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death worldwide.

Exercise is an ideal way to strengthen the heart and reduce your risk for heart disease and other conditions. Certain activities are prime for boosting heart health.

• Aerobic exercise: Aerobic exercise raises heart rate and gets the blood pumping throughout the body. Aerobic activity improves circulation, and over time it ensures the heart does not have to work as hard to pump blood, thus potentially lowering blood pressure. Also, aerobic exercise can reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes and can help those with diabetes to control blood glucose more readily. Aerobic

exercises include brisk walking, running, swimming, cycling, playing tennis, and other activities that get the heart pumping. Aim for 30 minutes each day, for at least five days a week.

• Resistance/weight training: Building muscle can help the body burn fat and boost metabolism. This type of training can use weights or the body’s own resistance. Improving muscle mass while reducing body fat and excess weight are hearthealthy steps to take. Strength training can be incorporated into a routine two to three days a week.

• Balance and flexibility exercises: A person may wonder what flexibility and balance has to do with heart health. While there isn’t a direct correlation to how the heart works, these types of activities will help reduce the risk of falls or injuries to muscles and joints while working out. Inactivity is dangerous for the heart, so ensuring that physical activity can

continue is important. Flexibility and balance exercises keep the body limber, and can be incorporated into daily workouts. Stretching, tai chi, yoga, and pilates can be included two or three times a week.

• Healthy eating: The foods people eat can affect heart health. Opt for lean protein sources and foods that include healthy fats. Salmon, avocados and olives are some options. Balance these foods with whole grains that are full of fiber, which can help a person feel fuller longer. Fiber also is essential for preventing atherosclerosis, a condition that causes hardening of the arteries.

• Meditation: Slowing down, performing deepbreathing exercises and meditation can reduce stress. That, in turn, can help prevent damage to the heart.

Strengthening the heart and maintaining its health involves various activities that can be incorporated into daily routines.