February 28, 2024 Farmingdale South

WELLNESS HEALTH&

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.

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.

2024 Nassau County Class A Champions

2024 NASSAU COUNTY CLASS A CHAMPIONS - Farmingdale Varsity

Cheerleading Team won the 2024 Nassau County Class A Championship on Saturday, February 17, 2024. It is their 3rd Championship with a back-to-back win in the Program’s six-year history. They compete at the NYSPHSSA State Championship on Saturday, March 2, 2024, in Binghamton NY. The team is led by Coach Caitlin Beatrice, Assistant Coaches Amanda Licata and Theresa Ladevaio, and Captains Brenna Miller and Bailey Gayron. Good Luck Dalers!

WELLNESS HEALTH&

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.

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.

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.

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• 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

• 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

• 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.

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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.

Registration Opening For Spring Town Youth Ice Hockey Program

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino announced that registration for the Town’s Spring Youth Ice Hockey Program will begin soon for boys and girls ages 8U- 16U. This program includes full House League games, practice schedule and playoffs. Clinics spanning 10 weeks

in duration will also be available for registration including all girls clinics, 6U clinics, adult learn to play clinics and advanced skill clinics. Programs will begin on April 3, 2024.

“This recreational and instruction program is designed to give youngsters a great way to learn the correct

fundamentals of one of America’s most popular sports,” said Supervisor Saladino. “In addition to receiving instruction on the proper techniques of

skating, stickhandling and shooting, participants will make new friends and create lifelong memories.”

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• 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.

WELLNESS HEALTH&

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.

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.

Town Announces Environmental Poster Contest For 4th Grade Students

To raise awareness on the impact of trees in our communities, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Michele Johnson announced the return of the Town’s Environmental Poster Contest, open to all 4th grade students in the Town of Oyster Bay. This year’s poster contest, Our Town Our Environment, invites youngsters to create a poster showcasing the importance of trees in preserving our environment, with a theme of ‘Trees for Tomorrow.’

“This poster contest presents a great opportunity to

bring environmental awareness to our young people, making them more knowledgeable on the importance of protecting Mother Nature and safeguarding our natural resources,” said Supervisor Saladino. Students should submit a poster to communicate awareness of the essential role of trees in our lives and may consider these key facts in their design:

• Oxygen Production: Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, ensuring clean air. Did you know? 100 trees remove 53 tons of carbon dioxide and 430 pounds of other air pollutants per year.

• Air and Water Purification: Trees cleanse the air and water, promoting a healthier environment.

• Shade and Cooling: Trees provide shade, cooling our neighborhoods naturally.

• Wildlife Habitat: Trees offer food and homes for various wildlife, contributing to biodiversity.

• Health Benefits: Trees encourage outdoor activities, promoting physical well-being. Submissions should be made on poster paper (no larger than 12”x18”). No edible items should be used on the poster. The top

three winning posters to be displayed at a Town facility and showcased in a future Town of Oyster Bay Environmental Newsletter.

“This contest is being co-sponsored by Friends of the Bay and The Waterfront Center, two organizations we proudly partner with throughout the year to help our efforts in protecting and preserving the environment,” said Councilwoman Johnson.

“I hope all fourth-grade students join us in this year’s program and take advantage of the great opportunity to become more knowledgeable on the importance of protecting our

environment.”

Prizes will be awarded for the top three submissions, with 1st Place receiving a private tour of Oyster Bay Harbor aboard a Friends of the Bay vessel, a $200 gift certificate for the Waterfront Center in Oyster Bay, a tree planted at the winning student’s school for Arbor Day, a nautical trivia game and Friends of the Bay apparel. Second and third place winners will also receive a gift certificate to The Waterfront Center and have a tree planted in their school district. Submission deadline for the contest is Friday, March 29th,

with winners to be announced on Earth Day, April 22nd.

Along with their poster submission, students must include an entry form, which is available at www.oysterbaytown. com/postercontest. Mail or email posters to the Town’s Department of Environmental Resources, Attn: Poster Contest, 29 Spring Street, Oyster Bay NY, 11771. Entries can also be emailed to environmental@ oysterbay-ny.gov with the subject line ‘2024 Poster Contest.’ Visit www.oysterbaytown. com/postercontest for more details.

Oyster Bay Town Councilman Tom Hand announced that the Distinguished Artists Concert Series will continue through May 2024 with free performances at local libraries throughout the Town.

“The Distinguished Artists Concert Series provides free musical and dance programs for the enjoyment of our residents,” said Councilman Hand. “I encourage residents to take advantage of these wonderful performances offered by the Town for free at local libraries.”

Scheduled performances for February and March include:

• Gathering Time on Sunday, February 25, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Jericho Public Library

– Performing music for all ages from traditional

Free Musical Performances At Local Libraries

folk to classic rock. All welcome/free tickets required, tickets available at library. For more information call Jericho Public Library (516) 9356790.

•Carlson & Grant on Sunday, March 3, 2024 at 1:00 pm at the Syosset Public Library – Performing solos and duets from the nostalgic past. Registration is free and required. Visit: https://syosset. librarycalendar.com/ events/month and select the date of the concert and register. Registration starts February 9th.

• Mambo Loco on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Jericho Public Library – Performing the best of Old-school Latin and Latin jazz. All welcome/free tickets required, tickets

available at library on February 22nd. For more information call Jericho Public Library (516) 9356790.

• One More Once Jazz Ensemble on Sunday, March 17, 2024 at 2:30 pm at the Farmingdale Public Library –Performing all genres of big band music.

Spring Town Youth Ice Hockey Program

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Registration will open online for Town of Oyster Bay residents on March 4th and March 5th at www. oysterbaytown.com/portal beginning at 9:00 am; online registration will

available to non-residents on March 6th at 9:00 am. All registrants must provide a copy of their birth certificate, proof of residency, and payment for registration. A parent of legal guardian must be present for registration.

All participants must provide their own equipment, and should have some skating ability. For more information, call the rink at (516) 433-7465, x 8234 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com/ hockey.

• Danny Kean & Friends on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 7:00 pm at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library – Performing blues, jazz,

R&B rock & everything in between. All welcome/ free tickets required, tickets available at library on March 11th. For more information call

Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library (516) 9380077.

• The Brooklyn Bards on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Bethpage Public Library – Experience the deep lyrics and rich melodies of traditional Irish music. The Distinguished Artists Concert Series is sponsored by the Cultural and Performing Arts (CAPA) Division of the Town of Oyster Bay’s Department of Community & Youth Services. For the full concert schedule and further information, please call (516) 797-7900 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com/ CAPA.

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