Enjoy More Time Outdoors

Enjoy more time outdoors (even when it’s cold)

The amount of time people spend outdoors has dramatically decreased, as the Environmental Protection Agency now reports the average American spends 87 percent of his or her time in a residence, school building or workplace.

Being outside is linked to better moods, more physical activity and less exposure to contaminants (concentrations of some pollutants are often two to five times higher indoors). Also, people who spend time outside may not come into contact with surface germs or develop various illnesses spread as often as those who spend a lot of time indoors.

Cold weather can make the desire to be outside less appealing, but it is important for one’s mental and physical well-being to get outside. The following activities might coax people outside for some crisp air. creature can be molded from snow and embellish landscapes. Use food-grade coloring in spray bottles to added even more creative flair to snow designs.

in winter. White-washed hills can be beautiful to behold, and many small animals and birds look even more vivid against the white backdrop of snow.

Create snow critters

Why do snowmen and women get all of the fanfare this time of year? Just about any living or fictional

Go on a nature hike Make an obstacle course

While many plants and animals hibernate in winter, there is still plenty to see. Bring along a sketch book or camera and capture nature Turn an area of the yard or park into a homemade obstacle course. It’s much more difficult, — and a great workout — to try to jump over snow mounds or run down paths when decked out in warm layers. Engage in lighthearted competitions with friends and family members.

Build a bonfire

Children can set off in different directions to gather up firewood to craft a bonfire with adults in a safe location. S’mores taste equally delicious whether it’s warm or cold outside, and in winter they can be accompanied by toasty mugs of cocoa.

Get sporty

Sledding, skating, snowshoeing, and ice hockey are just a few of the winter sports that can get the heart pumping and muscles working outside. These activities are entertaining and also great exercise.

When venturing outdoors in winter, dress in layers. This way clothing can be put on or taking off to reduce the likelihood of hypothermia.

NEW YEAR...NEW CAREER! ARE YOU TIRED OF THAT SAME OLD JOB? WE HAVE OPENINGS FOR SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS Don’t miss an opportunity for a great job where you can serve your community and make good money doing it. We provide the training you need to obtain your commercial drivers license. NEW STARTING SALARIES BIG BUS $21.53/Hr Benefi t Rate $23.53/Hr *Non-Benefi t Rate *Available after 90 days of employment VAN $18.76/Hr Benefi t Rate $20.76/Hr *Non-Benefi t Rate *Available after 90 days of employment

SIGN ON BONUS $2,500 FOR CDL DRIVER BUS AND VAN $500 FOR NON CDL DRIVERS WILL TRAIN QUALIFIED APPLICANTS

WE OFFER: Flexible Hours • 401k Plans With Matching Funds Health Insurance Life Insurance • Emergency Family Leave • Safety & Attendance Bonus Twice A Year RETIREES WELCOME! • EASY TO DRIVE VANS • FREE CDL TRAINING EDUCATIONAL BUS TRANSPORTATION 631.789.2300 CALL TODAY

POSITIONS AVAILABLE FOR NASSAU AND SUFFOLK

How to care for wild birds this winter

Looking to Buy a Home? 2020 May Be Your Year

The arrival of winter forces everyone to confront the changes synonymous with the season, and local wildlife is no exception. Low temperatures, harsh winter storms and a scarcity of food can make it challenging for wildlife, including birds, to thrive throughout the winter.

Even though several species of birds are migratory and travel to warmer climates to wait out winter, many others stay put. The Audubon Society says that keeping close to home helps some species of birds maintain their territories.

Some birds will puff up to retain heat, others will seek shelter in dense foliage or cavities to avoid the elements. Many birds will huddle together to share warmth.

Another way of keeping warm is building up fat as an insulator and energy source. The Audubon Society says more than 10 percent of some birds’ winter body weight may be fat. That can be challenging to maintain when common sources of food, such as insects and berries, disappear as winter wears on. This is when some human intervention can prove handy, advise ornithologists. A few simple efforts may benefit birds and other wildlife that may not hibernate winter away or escape to the tropics. • Have a supply of food, bird feeders, houses, and any other bird-related gear at the ready before the storms really rev up.

• Invest in nutritious food, such as black oil sunflower seeds or blends that are high in black oil sunflower seeds. You also can make available more foods that are high in fat, such as suet, peanut butter or even whole peanuts. Mother Nature Network also suggests adding meal worms if they can be found.

• Choose feeders that will keep seed dry, otherwise it will be prone to bacterial and fungal growth.

• Don’t discard fallen leaves or any downed twigs or pruned boughs from trees. This will give birds material for creating shelter or hiding away when the weather gets especially brutal. When the Christmas tree is finished for the season, place it in the yard as a windbreak for birds.

• Put shallow water sources around so birds can drink. Replace them frequently if water freezes.

Wild birds can benefit from some help when the temperatures start to drop in winter.

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) monkeybusinessimages / iStock via Getty Images Plus

If buying a home is on your nearfuture to-do list, experts say that 2020 may be a good year to make it happen. Mortgage interest rates are near historic lows, providing you with the opportunity to finance a new home purchase at a much lower cost. Whether you are making the jump from renting to owning, or looking for a home that better meets your current needs, now may be a great time to consider making your real estate dreams a reality. Today’s low rates could save you money for years to come. (StatePoint)

According to a new forecast from Freddie Mac, mortgage rates will stay in the 3-4 percent range for all of 2020 and 2021, giving prospective homeowners substantial time to plan their purchase. This, combined with modest inflation and a solid labor market, makes for good climate to buy a home with a fixed rate mortgage. For those who are already homeowners, refinancing now may be a good idea.

“For those serious about homeownership, today’s sub 4 percent mortgage rates should not be taken for granted,” says Freddie Mac chief economist, Sam Khater. “For comparative purposes, in 2000, rates averaged eight percent; and in the 80s, they spiked to 18.5 percent.”

Khater stresses that while mortgage rates are an essential factor to consider in the home-buying process, there are other important items to think about as well as you lay the groundwork for your purchase. These include getting a firm handle on your finances, knowing your credit score (and taking steps to boost it if necessary) and familiarizing yourself with down payment options. For more information and tools on home buying and homeownership, visit myhome. freddiemac.

Did you know?

A real estate attorney is an important professional to have in one's corner when buying or selling a home. The legal resource Find Law says that buying and selling a home can be one of the most significant purchases made in a person's lifes. Real estate law can be complicated, and all parties involved need to ensure they are protected as they complete transactions and negotiations. That is why it is essential to have a real estate attorney in one's corner. A lawyer trained in real estate law will review contracts and other documents like title transfers and deeds. The attorney also handles the closing. Throughout the process, attorneys will provide legal guidance and explain terminology related to the transaction. In case of a dispute, the attorney will also provide legal representation in the courtroom, if needed, or negotiate a resolution on a client's behalf. Even though a real estate attorney is another expense in the process of purchasing real estate, it is a worthwhile investment for the protection and peace of mind attorneys provide.

Don’t miss a beat regarding women’s heart health

Heart disease might be seen as something that predominantly affects men, but women are not immune to this potentially deadly condition. In fact, doctors and healthcare professionals advise women to take serious heed of heart disease, which claims more female lives than breast cancer, other cancers, respiratory disease, and Alzheimer’s disease combined.

The American Heart Association indicates that more women are now aware that heart disease is the leading cause of death among females than they were 20 years ago. However, the AHA reports that only 42 percent of women aged 35 and older are concerned about heart disease. Initiatives like Go Red for Women in February help shed light on the threat posed by heart disease.

Here are some facts to consider:

• Roughly one female death per minute is attributed to heart disease.

• Heart disease affects women of all ages. In fact, the AHA says that the combination of smoking and birth control pills can increase heart disease risk in younger women by 20 percent.

• Mercy Health System says about 5.8 percent of all white women, 7.6 percent of black women, and 5.6 percent of Mexican American women have coronary heart disease.

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost two-thirds of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease have no previous symptoms.

• When symptoms are present in women, they are not like the stereotypical clutching of the chest that men experience. Heart disease symptoms in women can include upper back pain, chest discomfort, heartburn, extreme fatigue, nausea, and shortness of breath.

• Even fit women can be affected by heart disease. Inherent risk factors, such as high cholesterol, can counteract healthy habits. Women are urged to wear red during February to shed light on heart disease, the No. 1 killer of females.

Women are urged to take various steps to reduce their risk of heart disease:

• Lose weight

• Engage in regular physical activity

• Quit smoking

• Keep alcohol consumption to a minimum

• Get cholesterol and blood pressure checked regularly

• Make healthy food choices

• Lower stress levels

• Control diabetes

Taking charge of factors they can control can help women improve their overall health and lower their risk for heart disease. Women also should speak with their doctors about heart disease. Learn more at www.goredforwomen.org.

GRACE NURSERY SCHOOL “Caring, Nurturing Child Centered Environment” Your Trusted Neighborhood Nursery School Since 1990!

www.graceumclindy.com gracenurseryschoollindy@gmail.com 515 South Wellwood Avenue, Lindenhurst (631) 957-3917 Contact Us At: Enroll Your Child In The Best Nursery School Soccer Shots Program Available REGISTRATION FOR 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR OPENINGS FOR 2, 3 & 4 YEAR OLDS DON’T MISS OUT! ENROLL NOW! WE HAVE SPECIAL CLASSES AVAILABLE 2 DAY CLASSES FOR 2 YEAR OLDS 2 OR 3 DAY CLASSES FOR 3 YEAR OLDS 3 OR 4 DAY CLASSES FOR 4 YEAR OLDS OPENINGS STILL AVAILABLE FOR ALL CLASSES Is Now Underway Qualifi ed & Caring Staff

ONE CALL DOES IT ALL!

WE GIVE 5 STAR SERVICE

LICENSE #53464-MP

DRAIN & WASTE PIPE SPECIALIST

IF YOU HAVE BROKEN OR LEAKING Waste Pipes • Drain Pipes • PVC • Copper Cast Iron • Faucet • Toilets • Showers Boiler • Water Heaters and More! FINANCING AVAILABLE We Fix Quacked Pipes! WE HAVE GREAT PRICES Call For All Your Plumbing, Drain, Waste, Sewage Needs No Added Fee For Nights Or Weekends 371452S0205 631.517.0296 RubberDuckPlumbingInc.com

Above All ROOFING COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL Ask About Our Extended Manufacturer’s Warranty. • SHINGLES • FLAT ROOFS • REPAIR SPECIALISTS • LEADERS & GUTTERS • GAF CERTIFIED INSTALLERS

STORM SPECIALIST

With This Ad with Each Complete Roof Done Attic Fan or Ridge Vent FREE

Free Estimates

www.aboveallroofi ngli.com (631) 665-3158 10% MILITARY/SENIOR DISCOUNT

Lic./Ins. #16739H.I. #HI8B43900000 Must Show ID