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Bellmore • Merrick

N IZE D TO READ ON A

COMMUNITY CELEBRATES CHANUKAH & CHRISTMAS

ELECTED OFFICIALS SWORN INTO OFFICE

BMB COVERS WINTER FESTIVITIES

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NEWS

2020 | Vol.7 No.1

McDONOUGH WARNS OF ‘A NOT SO HAPPY NEW YEAR’ AS SUSPECTED CRIMINALS ARE RELEASED

Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) is warning constituents that it will be a not so happy new year with the dangerous criminal justice reforms that became law on January 1, 2020.

The so-called ‘bail reform’ measures, passed by a contingent of ultra-liberal lawmakers during last year’s budget process, will allow many suspected criminals, including those arrested for drug offenses, assault, robbery, child pornography and manslaughter, to be released following their arrest or arraignment without having to post bail.

Furthermore, many will simply be issued an appearance ticket and expected to appear for their trial using their own goodwill (Good Luck!).

“This is one of the most frightening public safety crises our state has faced in a long time. To think that sex offenders and burglars will be released following their arrest with as little as an appearance ticket is shocking and disturbing,” McDonough said. “To think that this doesn’t incentivize crime, especially repeat offenses, is completely naïve and dangerous. Sadly, New York City

politicians who run the Assembly pass laws first and worry about the consequences second – and in this case the consequences are dire.”

In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio has committed to incentivizing suspected criminals to appear for trial by offering free Mets tickets, movie passes and gift cards. Clearly, in the nation’s biggest city, crime does pay.

McDonough called on the governor to force a special session before January 1 in order to reexamine the detrimental impact of bail reform. District attorneys and law enforcement officials across the state and on both sides of the aisle have remained staunchly opposed to the new laws. Unfortunately, Gov. Cuomo and Democrat leadership have ignored the public safety outcry.

Thanks to Democrats overwhelmingly passing this law in the Senate and Assembly the following offenses will not be subject to cash bail: Burglary in the second degree (residential burglary); Burglary in the third degree;Robbery in the second degree (aided by another person); Robbery in the third degree; Manslaughter in the second degree;

Criminally negligent homicide; Aggravated vehicular homicide; Vehicular manslaughter in the first and second degrees; Assault in the third degree; Aggravated vehicular assault; Aggravated assault upon a person less than eleven years old; Vehicular assault in the first and second degrees; Criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds; Criminal possession of a firearm; Criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree; Criminal sale of a firearm to a minor; Criminal possession of a controlled substance in the first and second degrees; Criminal sale of a controlled substance in the first and second degrees; Criminal sale of a controlled substance in or near school grounds; Use of a child to commit a controlled substance offense; Criminal sale of a controlled substance to a child; Patronizing a person for prostitution in a school zone; Promoting an obscene sexual performance by a child; Possessing an obscene sexual performance by a child; Promoting a sexual performance by a child; Failure to register as a sex offender;Bribery in the first degree; Bribe giving for public office; Bribe receiving in

the first degree; Arson in the third and fourth degrees; Grand larceny in the first, second, third, and fourth degrees; Aggravated cruelty to animals; Overdriving, torturing and injuring animals; Failure to provide proper sustenance to animals; Animal fighting; Unlawful imprisonment in the first degree; Coercion in the first degree;Criminal solicitation in the first degree; Criminal facilitation in the first degree; Money laundering in support of terrorism in the third and fourth degrees; Making a terroristic threat; Obstructing governmental administration in the first and second degree; Obstructing governmental administration by means of a self-defense spray device; Promoting prison contraband in the first and second degrees; Resisting arrest; Hindering prosecution; Tampering with a juror; Tampering with physical evidence; Aggravated harassment in the first degree; Directing a laser at an aircraft in the first degree; Enterprise corruption; Money laundering in the first degree

“HAPPY NEW YEAR,” McDonough finished.

2020 | Vol.7 No.1

Bellmore

Merrick

HOLIDAY CHEER

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2020 | Vol.7 No.1

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☞ TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGES 2-8;12: NEWS Assemblyman Dave McDonough Warns Constituents Of A Not So Happy New Year As Suspected Criminals Are Released; Chambers Celebrate Chanukah & Christmas Holiday Cheer with the Community; Elected Officials Join Multi-Faith Religious Leaders to Condemn Anti-Semitism and Bias Attacks; Kennedy’s CyberPatriot Team Places First Yet Again; Wedding Announcement; Town of Hempstead Induction of Officials (12) Watch Reports from BMB Broadcasting

PAGE 10: ENTERTAINMENT Watch a Video from the Calhoun On Tour Holiday Improv

PAGE 12: REAL ESTATE Looking to Buy a Home? 2020 May Be Your Year

PAGE 12: IN & AROUND Letters from Anne Frank and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, A Theatrical Performance; Registration for Kindergarten; Bellmore and Merrick Chambers Celebrate their Annual Installation of New Board Members and Presentation of Special Awards

PAGES 14, 16-17: HEALTH MATTERS Go Ahead -Take A Nap!; How to keep Those Fitness Resolutions; Healthy New Year’s Resolution - Don’t Overlook Your Eyes

PAGE 15: SOUND ADVICE Beware of Scams

WHO’S WHO AT YOUR NEWSMAG Advertising and Publishing

Contributing

Jill Bromberg

Mitchell J. Rich, Esq.

Bobby Arnel

Contact us with story ideas and news at: edit@yournewsmag.com To advertise, Jill@yournewsmag.com

Phone: 516-633-8590 P.O. Box 15, Bellmore, New York 11710

Bellmore • Merrick

It’s A New Year!

During the holidays there were many exciting neighborhood events hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. From Santa’s visit to Menorah and Christmas Tree lightings and the amazing Bellmore Holiday Extravaganza with horse drawn carriage and train rides!

Then, in a blink of time… the new year is here and its 2020. The new year starts out with new bail reform measures that release suspected criminals without bail. Assemblyman Dave McDonough addresses his concerns and disappointment in this decision.

Elected officials join multi-faith religious leaders demonstrating solidarity as a unified Town of Hempstead condemning anti-semitism and bias attacks.

Newly elected officials were inducted into office at the Town of Hempstead inaugural ceremony on January 7, 2019. Town of Hempstead officials serving our community are: Donald X. Clavin, Jr. as Supervisor; Christopher Carini as Councilman, 5th District; Dennis Dunne, Sr. as Councilman, 6th District; Kate Murray as Town Clerk and Jeanine C. Driscoll as Receiver of Taxes.

Are you are starting out the new year with a New Year’s resolution to keep fit and be healthy? Fitness exert, Bobbie Arnel has some advice to keep you on track. Did you know that eyes provide an incredible look into your overall health? An exam should be on your to do list for a healthy new year.

And, naps are not just for kids. Consider increasing your alertness and improve your mood with a brief nap.

Phone scams for charity donations are common this time of year. Mitchell J. Rich, Esq. has some sound advice to help you screen for scammers.

Experts say that 2020 is a good time to buy a new

home. Find out why you may want to put a new home on this years new year list!

Watch (BMB) Bellmore-Merrick Broadcasting student coverage of the Skull and Bones Fall drama - A Christmas Carol, FAPA Winterfest, Winter concerts, sports and more!

Calhoun’s On Tour Holiday Improv was a fun night of whimsical entertainment. Check out the video in this issue.

Kennedy’s CyberPatriot team places first yet again and will be competing in the national semifinals this month.

Check out whats going on “In and Around” town where you will find information about a free theatrical performance, Letters From Anne Frank And Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to finding out who the chambers will be honoring this year. If you have a child turning five before December 1, 2020 you may want to look at the information on registration for kindergarten.

Your NewsMag is now optimized for viewing on any device and social sharing! Read digital stories, follow live links and view videos for an exciting interactive experience. Your NewsMag is keeping up with the times and delivering community news digitally so you will be able to enjoy Your NewsMag when you want, where you want and from your cell phone, iPad or desktop. Your NewsMag is fully optimized for the best viewing experience on any device making it easier for you to share stories with friends and family. I hope you enjoy reading Your NewsMag. Jill Bromberg PUBLISHER 516-633-8590 Jill@YourNewsMag.com

2020 | Vol.7 No.1

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NEWS

2020 | Vol.7 No.1

Elected Officials Join Multi-Faith Religious Leaders To Condemn Anti-Semitism and Bias Attacks

Don Clavin, who officially became Hempstead Town Supervisor on New Year’s Day, united with Senior Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, Councilman Bruce Blakeman, Councilman Anthony D’Esposito, Assemblywoman Missy Miller and a diverse group of religious leaders at the Yeshiva of South Shore in Hewlett to denounce anti-Semitism and hatred and demonstrated solidarity as a unified Town of Hempstead.

“There is absolutely no room in our society for anti-Semitism, bigotry and any forms of hate,” Clavin said. “On New Year’s Eve, here in America’s largest township, we’re here at the Yeshiva of South Shore to denounce the disturbing string of violence in our region targeted against people of the Jewish faith during the past week of Hanukkah. And we’re gathering to announce that we’re unified across all faiths, denominations and races against all forms of hatred.

We are a unified Hempstead Town.”

The group called on state and federal officials to enhance funding for security measures at houses of worship. Specifically, they expressed support for a recent call for expanded federal funds to provide security for these holy places.

The officials implored state and federal leaders to ensure that religious organizations on Long Island benefit from any

additional funding for security.

“These disgusting, violent attacks must be condemned, and it’s important for us to demonstrate our unity across all faiths,” Senior Councilwoman Goosby said. “I support efforts by state and federal officials to provide additional support for protection and security of Houses of Worship, ensuring safety for everyone from all walks of life.”

“Recent attacks on Jews throughout the World and unfortunately here in America make it clear and unequivocal that all Americans must stand against anti-Semitism and those that commit these hate crimes must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Councilman Bruce Blakeman.

“These despicable acts, especially during the Hanukkah and Christmas holidays, are attacks on the fabric of our nation,” Councilman D’Esposito added.

“Every American has a right to freely practice their religion on a daily basis

without any apprehension. Offenses against anyone should be viewed as an affront to everyone in our community.

We will not tolerate bias in any form it takes.”

“Hanukkah is a time for tradition, celebration and family,” said Assemblywoman Missy Miller. “These disturbing acts of anti-Semitism during this time cannot be ignored. We are dealing with domestic terrorism and a targeted attack on faith – something must be done.”

Spiritual leaders from various religious denominations offered their reflections.

“I thank our leaders in Hempstead for their unwavering and outspoken outrage at all acts of anti-Semitism,” said Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky of the Yeshiva of South Shore. “We must all stand together against all acts of bigotry and hatred.”

[CONT. ON PAGE 7]

2020 | Vol.7 No.1

“We are in the midst of a troubling war on religion,” said Reverend Derek Garcia, chaplain of the Nassau County Police Department. “By uniting together across all faiths, we are taking the proper steps to combat this hatred that has been targeting our way of life.”

“In the wake of these tragic acts of violence we must band together and be stronger than ever,” said Reverend William Watson, president of the Long Island Conference of Clergy. “Our faith is what drives us to be better people, and we will not let hatred stand in the way of that.”

Clavin emphasized the Town of Hempstead’s zero tolerance policy for bias actions.

“In Hempstead Town, we have directed the Commissioner of Public Safety to step up patrols in town parks, beaches and other facilities to observe and report any anti-Semitic graffiti or and other indications of hatred,” Clavin said. ” We have a zero-tolerance policy for this type of activity. Our personnel will immediately report all such incidents to the proper legal authorities. All of us will continue to stand united to fight against every form of hatred and bigotry whenever it presents itself.” [CONT. FROM PAGE 6]

NEWS

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Kennedy’s CyberPatriot team places first yet again The Kennedy Senior CyberPatriot team, “Devs 2.0” placed first in New York State in the Platinum tier for the second year in a row and are now defending state champions.

The senior team achieved 150th out of over 3,000 high school teams across the nation. The senior CyberPatriots will now compete in the national semifinals in January.

Additionally, junior and freshman teams scores earned them a competition spot in the national high school gold tier. Advisers Robert Soel and David Prince oversee the Cyberpatriot teams.

CyberPatriots include Brandon Lin, Panayiotis Milonas, Isabella Guimaraes, Param Negpal, Shion Renaud, Richie Ippoliti, David Greenberg, Michael Lamaze, Dylan Hovell, Tyler Bissoondial, Jack Racer, Jonathan Ivers, Chris Prainito, Tyler Kealy, Aidan Walden and Jared Weinstein.

Photo courtesy of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

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NEWS

2020 | Vol.7 No.1

WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT DANIEL FUSCILLO AND MELISSA PRUSIN Chuck and Ellen Fuschillo of Merrick are thrilled to announce the marriage of their son Daniel to Melissa Prusin, daughter of Wendy Stein and David Prusin. The couple were married December 7, 2019 at the Indian Trail Club in Franklin Lakes, NJ. The couple resides in Manhattan, where Daniel is an attorney and Melissa is a teacher.

TOH Inaugural Ceremony

The Town of Hempstead inaugural ceremony inducting elected officials into office took place at Town Hall, One Washington Street, Hempstead on January 7, 2020. Donald X. Clavin, Jr. was sworn into office as Town Supervisor by his sister, Honorable Virginia Clavin-Higgins, Valley Stream Village Justice. Followed by the induction of Kate Murray as Town Clerk and Jeanine C. Driscoll as Receiver of Taxes by the Honorable Joseph G. Cairo, Jr., Chairman of the Nassau County Republican Committee; Bruce A. Blakeman was sworn into office as Councilman, 3rd Councilmanic District, by his wife, Honorable Segal Blakeman, Associate Cedarhust Village Justice; Thomas E Muscarella was sworn into office as Councilman for the 2nd Councilmanic district by his oldest brother; Christopher Carini was sworn into office as Councilman for the 5th Councilmanic District by Hempstead Councilman, the Honorable Anthony P. D’Esposito.

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Calhoun On Tour Holiday Improv... Whimsical And Fun!

2020 | Vol.7 No.1

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NEWS

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WATCH BMB - BELLMORE-MERRICK BROADCASTING

Haley Hepworth and Riley Fried bring you BMB Midweek Updates featuring stories by Jake Winckelmann about the Skull and Bones Fall drama A Christmas Carol, Louie Saraceni on the FAPA Winterfest, Chris Ates and Ava Scheffler on the Winter concerts and Conner Ward on the Girls Basketball team. All that plus Tom Mauro with your Midweek Week in Mepham Sports.

In and Around…

Letters from Anne & Martin Congregation Beth Ohr in conjunction with the Church of the Transfiguration of Freeport presents Letters from Anne Frank and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - A theatrical performance by the Anne Frank Center on Sunday, January 12, 2020. Free to the public. Temple Israel Annex located at 2655 Clubhouse Rd., Merrick.

Doors open at 3:30pm and the program begins at 4:00pm. Refreshments will be

served.… Registration for Kindergarten The Birch, Chatterton and Norman J. Levy Lakeside elementary schools of the Merrick School District will hold registration for September 2020 kindergarten classes from Monday Feb. 3 - Friday Feb. 7, 2020. Children who will reach the age of 5 on or before December 1, 2020 are eligible. To register child call your neighborhood school between 10am and 2pm to make an appointment and request an

2020 | Vol.7 No.1

Looking to Buy A Home?

2020 May Be Your Year

Looking to Buy a Home? 2020 May Be Your Year If buying a home is on your near-future 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

information packet that will have to completed and brought to the registration appointment. Birch School 516-9927250; Chatterton School 516-992-7270; Norman J. Levy Lakeside School 516992-7230. …The Merrick Chamber of Commerce 85th Annual Installation Dinner will be held at the Chateau Briand, Carle Place on Thursday, January 23, 2020. Chamber board members will be sworn in to office. The Merrick Chamber will be honoring :Man of the Year, John Fabian; Woman of the Year, Anne Guercio; Merchant of the Year Cathy Boddy and Lorraine Castanio, Cathy’s Touch; Professional of the Year Dr. Chantal Santos, Sunrise Chiropractic… The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores 2020 Installation Dinner will be held at the Chateau Briand, Carle Place on Saturday, January 25, 2020 where 2020 board members will be sworn in to office. The Bellmore Chamber will be honoring: Chamber Member of the Year, Merrick Collision; Outstanding Community Member of the Year, Josephine Parlagreco; Lifetime Achievement Award, Valenti Family, Board Member of the Year, Michael Pittakas.

much lower cost.

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.

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

2020 | Vol.7 No.1

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HEALTH MATTERS

2020 | Vol.7 No.1

Go Ahead - Take a Nap! Americans are notoriously sleep-deprived, which can have unpleasant and even dangerous effects. And while a nap can alleviate fatigue, increase alertness and improve mood, for years napping was considered to be a pastime more appropriate for little children and the sick than healthy adults.

But the tides are changing. National Sleep Foundation encourages napping, citing improvements in alertness, performance and mood as benefits. So here are a few tips on getting the most out of your daytime snooze: Find a comfortable spot. A bed is the best, but is not always available. If napping in a chair or on a couch, make sure your neck is well-supported to avoid sore muscles.

Use a sleep mask and earplugs. Sometimes disconnecting from your surround-

ings can be difficult, even when you’re tired. Cutting out noise and light can help.

Use a nap as a caffeine substitute. If you find yourself reaching for coffee because you can’t stay awake, consider taking a nap instead. Close your eyes and get some shut-eye -- it will help relieve tiredness instead of postponing it until the caffeine wears off.

But remember to keep your naps to a maximum of 20 to 30 minutes, lest they interfere with a much-needed good night’s rest!

- SPM Wire

2020 | Vol.7 No.1

SOUND ADVICE

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Please Give To Charities This Season, But Beware Of Scams By: Mitchell J. Rich, Esq.

This holiday season should be the best time to give back to our community with charitable donations. There are numerous wonderful charitable organizations that make a real difference in enhancing both our lives as well as the lives of those less fortunate than us.

However, there are also many allegedly charitable organizations that are merely scams. So how can you screen out the scammers to ensure that your charitable giving is going somewhere where it can do good?

All charities in New York are regulated by the Office of the Attorney General Charities Bureau. These charities are required to make annual filings with the Charities Bureau detailing all income and to what projects the funds were used after normal administrative expenses. Charities with income over $50,000 annually are also required to file a tax form with the IRS called a Form 990. Copies of these Form 990 filing are available to the public, among

other places, on a web-site called “Guidestar� which is available to anyone with a no-cost registration.

When viewing a Form 990 as a potential donor, there are several things that may be of great interest. First do the officers and directors of the charity donate their time entirely or are they compensated? If they are compensated, is the compensation reasonable?

Are relatives of the officers or directors of the charity also on the payroll? Specific projects that were funded through donations are itemized in the Form 990. Are these the types of projects that you would like to have your hardearned dollars support? Are the nonsalary administrative expenses reasonable?

These are just a few of the things that you can learn about a charity that you are interested in contributing to. It should be noted that there is nothing wrong with giving to a charity that is too small to have to file a Form 990. Not seeing a charity’s Form 990 online should not mean that they are unwor-

thy of your donation. The fact that officers and directors are compensated should also not be a bar to your donations, as long as it appears that the compensation is reasonable considering the hours involved, which is also indicated within the Form 990. Larger charities especially require so much time that other employment is impossible, while

smaller charities may only require a few hours monthly by the officers and directors.

In this holiday season, please remember to give to the charity of your choice, but please also ensure that you are giving to a charity that legitimately helps those people or causes that you wish to help.

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HEALTH MATTERS

2020 | Vol.7 No.1

How to Keep Those Fitness Resolutions

by Bobbie Arnel

Every New Years Eve, one of the most prevalent resolutions made is to lose weight and get healthy. Gyms are all busting at the seams in January with people trying to attain those health and fitness goals. However, if you are like most people, by March or April, those resolutions will be long forgotten. So, how do you stay focused and actually follow through on your fitness resolutions?

There are several tricks and tips to help you on this fitness journey: 1. specific, and short-term, i.e., instead of a long-term goal of losing a total of 30 pounds, resolve to lose 1 to 2 pounds per week, or to go to the gym 2-3 times per week, or to cut out one unhealthy food every day, etc.

2. schedule it into your calendar the same way you would any other appointment 3. if you know someone is meeting you at the gym, or waiting for you on a corner for you to walk, you are much

less likely to just turn over and go back to sleep 4. life happens; if you eat out of control at a party, or drink more alcohol than you planned, or miss your gym workout, just start again tomorrow; don’t beat yourself up over the past— just keep moving forward and focus on your goals 5. there are fabulous fitness apps out there, including Runkeeper, MyFitnessPal, and many others; use these apps or wear a Fitbit to track yourself; seeing the number of steps walked in a day is very motivating to most people 6. there are probably several of you with the same goal in your workplace, your school, etc.; challenge your friends or coworkers to a competition of who can do the most steps in a week; use a tech tool to track your steps 7. change up your fitness routine often in order to see results; many people go on the treadmill and then do the same 5 or 6 machines in the gym everyday; your body will get used to that

routine and stop responding; take a spin class today, do the treadmill tomorrow, take a kickboxing class the next day, use dumbbells one day and weight machines the next; changing up your workout will keep you from getting bored as well, which can often lead to quitting 8. each time you achieve a short-term goal, i.e. lose 5 pounds, or walk 50,000 steps in a week, etc., reward yourself with a treat. This could be going to a movie, buying a new workout outfit, or eating a small bowl of your favorite ice cream 9. Fitness is actually comprised of 80 percent diet and 20 percent exercise; therefore, even if you go to the gym every day, if you are eating fatty, un-

healthy foods, you will have a very hard time losing weight The key overall to getting healthy and fit is staying focused on your goals. Pay attention to everything you eat, and MAKE the time for exercise. One of my favorite mottos is “Nothing tastes as good as being fit feels”. YOU CAN DO THIS! Make this the year you finally get healthy and in shape.

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Looking for a Healthy New Year’s Resolution? Don’t Overlook Your Eyes The most ambitious time of year is upon us: the time to set New Year’s resolutions.

All the parties have been hosted, the marshmallows have been toasted and you’ve binged on your new favorite TV show the entire month of December.

Now you’re asking yourself, “What do I want to accomplish this year?” A New Year’s resolution is, for all intents and purposes, a good thing. Now consider this twist on the standard resolution format: opt for a few, small, lifestyle wins rather than mounting an all-out assault on your current habits – more resolution-lite, if you will. Choose resolutions that have clear start and end points, and that are attainable for you. Most of all, resolutions should make you feel good – that’s the whole point, right?

“A resolution that checks all the boxes is to get an eye exam,” says VSP network doctor, Jennifer Chinn.

If you have loved ones in mind, bring them. Their eyes will thank you.

Here’s why: • It’s Easy: With a comprehensive eye exam, there’s no uncomfortable warm-

up, pep talk or preparation period. Making an appointment is easy: you simply show up and your eye doctor tests different aspects of your vision and eye health. Save the maximum effort for a goal further down your list, knowing an eye exam is a small investment of energy that reaps huge health rewards.

• It Doesn’t Take All Year: You can be certain that unlike most resolutions where some level of delayed gratification is the motivator, a comprehensive

eye exam provides immediate results.

“All within your visit, you’ll learn the shape your vision is in, and, if you wear glasses or contact lenses, whether your prescription has changed,” Dr. Chinn says.

• It’s Really Healthy: Beyond ensuring great vision, an eye exam offers an incredible look into your overall health. In fact, an eye exam is often the first line of defense when it comes to protecting your health.

During your visit, the eye doctor will examine your eyes to check their visual acuity (or how clearly you see), and for any signs of eye conditions like dry eyes, digital eye strain, glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration.

“More significantly, a comprehensive eye exam gives eye doctors an unobstructed view of the eyes’ blood vessels and optic nerves, both of which can give away signs of chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and even some cancers years before a person shows symptoms,” notes Dr. Chinn.

Unfortunately, many outward signals of diseases and conditions don’t appear until some damage has occurred, making eye exams powerful, preventative tools to keep tabs on what’s quietly happening in your body.

To find an eye doctor near you, visit www.vsp.com/eye-doctor.

You don’t need 20/20 vision to see that the case for a 2020 eye exam is clear. Make this the year you commit to an annual trip to the eye doctor.

-(StatePoint)

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