What to know about AFib

The heart has been characterized as the engine that makes the human body run. If that metaphor is not exactly spot-on, it still serves as a good indicator as to just how vital a healthy heart is to the human body.

Despite the importance of a healthy heart, diseases that afect the heart remain the single greatest cause of death across the globe. According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, claiming roughly 18 million lives each year. Various factors can adversely afect how well the heart functions, and that includes irregular heart beat, also known as arrhythmia. Atrial fbrillation (AFib) is the most common form of arrhythmia, and it behooves anyone to gain a greater understanding of this condition.

What is AFib?

The Cleveland Clinic notes that AFib is an arrhythmia that begins in the upper chambers of the heart known as the atria. When a person has AFib, these chambers beat irregularly, and the American Heart Association reports that, when this occurs, blood pools in the area because not enough blood is being pumped out of the atria. That pooled blood can clot and pose a serious threat.

What happens if a blood clot forms?

The AHA notes that, if a clot forms, the blood can be pumped out of the heart to the brain, which blocks the blood supply to the brain and ultimately results in stroke. In fact, AHA data indicates between 15 and 20 percent of people who have strokes have AFib. In addition, the Heart and

Stroke Foundation of Canada reports that onefourth of all strokes afecting people 40 and older are caused by AFib.

Does AFib produce symptoms?

The Cleveland Clinic notes that some people with AFib experience no symptoms. Such is the case in people whose ventricles are beating at a normal or slightly elevated pace. When ventricles begin to beat faster, then individuals may experience symptoms that can include:

· Extreme fatigue

· Irregular heartbeat

· Heart palpitations

· Feeling of butterfies or fsh fopping in the chest

· Dizziness or lightheadedness

· Fainting

· Shortness of breath

· Chest pain

Can I lower my risk for AFib?

The AHA notes that adopting and maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle is the best way to control AFib risk.

Such a lifestyle includes:

· Regular physical activity

· Adherence to a heart-healthy diet that is low in salt, saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol

· Controlling blood pressure, including management of high blood pressure

· Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and cafeine

· Avoid smoking

· Maintain healthy cholesterol levels

· Maintain a healthy weight

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Shawn Hennessey / Leana Song: Bakithi Kumalo and the Graceland Experience @ 5pm Arts In The Plaza, 1 W Chester St, Long Beach

Kenny and Claire: Summer Tour 2023

@ 6pm New Hope Community Church, 1400 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park

New York Mets vs. Atlanta Braves

@ 7:10pm

Citi Field, 120-01 Roosevelt Av‐enue, Flushing

New York Liberty vs. Chicago Sky

@ 8pm / $30-$1100 Barclays Center, 620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn

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Saturday

Aug 12th

Joe Bonamassa & Styx with Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles

@ 6pm / $35.50-$249.50

Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, 895 Bay Parkway, Wantagh

Side Cars "Cars Tribute" and Wilde Side “The Smiths Tribute” @ 8pm / $20

Mulcahy's Pub and Concert Hall, 3232 Rail‐road Avenue, Wantagh

Sun 8/13

Basketball Camp at the SYJCC @ 9am

Summer fun for every‐one! 74 Hauppauge Rd, 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack. jwertheimer @syjcc.org, 631-4629800

Total Soccer Camp:

Baldwin Week 2

@ 9am / $175

Aug 14th - Aug 18th

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August 14-15 - Bayside

Volleyball Club

@ 9am / $320

Electrify Expo 2023: Long Island, NY @ 10am

Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turn‐pike, Uniondale

Mesha Steele

@ 12:30pm

Ocean, 333 Bayville Ave, Bayville

Just Sixties @ 6pm Join the Town of North Hempstead for its sum‐mer concert series. North Hempstead Beach Park, 175 West Shore Road, Port Washington. feedback @northhemp steadny.gov, 516-8696311

NYCFC II vs. Orlando City B

@ 7pm / $10-$15 Belson Stadium, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Jamaica

Aug 14th - Aug 15th

Mitchell Gym, 19 West Rd., Garden City. 856-287-5408

This extraordinary evening will feature full sets from each act, before culminating into a jaw-dropping encore featuring members of all three bands. Fans will experience some of the best blues-rock, clas‐sic rock and guitar mastery ever seen on one stage.

FunDay Monday @ 11am

Join the Town of North Hempstead for its sum‐mer FunDay Monday series. North Hemp‐stead Beach Park, 175 West Shore Road, Port Washington. feedback @northhemp steadny.gov, 516-8696311

Tue 8/15

Jewish Learning Series @ 12:30pm

Join the Mid Island Y JCC and a host of guest presenters for interesting and relevant lec‐tures and discussions related to Judaism and Jewish Culture. Mid-Island Y JCC, 45 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview

SERVPRO of Great Neck/Port Washington Food Drive to help feed our local families

@ 10am

Aug 15th - Aug 31st

St. Peter of Alcantara

R.C. Parish Outreach is in desperate need for food donations to feed our local families and elderly Saint Peter's Parish Social Ministry (St. Peter's of Alcan‐tara) - Food Distribution Center, 1327 Port Washington Boulevard, Port Washington. hf@ servpro9563.com

Wed 8/16

Karen Bella @ 6pm

Teddy's Bully Bar, 46 Audrey Ave, Oyster Bay

Social Singles @ 6:30pm / $12

Join us at the Mid-Island Y JCC for ongoing social programming for singles ages 55+ to connect with one another. Mid-Island Y JCC, 45 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview

Lovesong The Band: Merrick Park @ 7pm Merrick Park (outdoor), Merrick

Brooklyn Cyclones vs. Hudson Valley Renegades @ 7pm Maimonides Park, 1904 Surf Ave., Brooklyn

DC League of Super-

Pets @ 8:15pm Join the Town of North Hempstead for a sum‐mer movie in the park. Martin Bunky Reid Park, Broadway Ave & Urban Ave, Westbury. feedback@northhemp steadny.gov, 516-8696311

Rusty Spurs (Modern Traditional Country) @ 7pm Join the Town of North Hempstead for its sum‐mer concert series. Gerry Park, Roslyn. feedback@northhemp steadny.gov, 516-8696311

Fri 8/18

Write On: Hofstra Offers Virtual College Essay Workshops @ 4pm

The Hofstra University Admis‐sion Of�ce is offering virtual workshops all summer to help high school students learn the skills to tell their story in a way that helps them stand out. Hempstead. Admission@hofs tra.edu

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Open House Erev Shabbat @ 5:30pm Cool Off at Temple Beth-El’s Open House Shabbat Temple BethEl of Great Neck, 5 Old Mill Road, Great Neck. info@tbegreatneck.org, 516-487-0900

Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular, Starring Shawn Klush @ 8pm / $25.50-$79.50 NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury

Where Stars Collide NY: Fundraiser of 911 Responders Remembered Park @ 5pm Hoyt Farm Nature Pre‐serve, 200 New Hwy, Commack

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Women’s Health Care of Garden City committed to personalized care

By John L. Gomes, MD

John L. Gomes, MD, founded Women’s Health Care of Garden City in 1995. It has remained an independent private practice, providing personalized obstetrical and gynecological services.

He employs the technical advances of conventional medicine with an integrative approach to navigate women through difcult pregnancies into the menopausal years. He treats a wide variety of OB/GYN conditions and is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care.

All tests are conveniently done on the premises, and a dedicated, compassionate staf is on call 24/7.

He is committed to excellence in patient communication, education and support, as many patients come with anxiety associated with past experiences and future concerns.

Dr. Gomes received his undergraduate degree from Brown University, and his Doctor of Medicine from Columbia University.

He is both Board Certifed and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Women’s Health Care of Garden City is located at 1000 Franklin Avenue, Suite 200, Garden City.