Author

Vanessa Leggard

Browsing

Affordable Housing: Why It’s Everyone’s Problem

Affordable housing is often framed as an issue that primarily affects low-income individuals and families. However, the reality is that the lack of affordable housing impacts entire communities, economies, and even those who may not think they are directly affected. From rising homelessness to workforce shortages and increased taxpayer burdens, housing affordability is an issue that extends beyond just those struggling to pay rent.

A Crisis That Affects All Income Levels

Housing costs are rising across the country, outpacing wage growth and making it increasingly difficult for people at all income levels to find suitable housing. This isn’t just a problem for the lowest-income households—middle-class families are also feeling the squeeze. When workers such as teachers, nurses, and first responders cannot afford to live in the communities they serve, it creates significant problems for the local economy and social stability.

Workforce and Economic Impact

When housing costs are too high, workers have to move farther away from their jobs, leading to longer commutes and reduced productivity. Businesses also struggle to attract and retain employees, which stunts economic growth. In industries like healthcare, education, and retail—where wages are often modest but the services are essential—a lack of affordable housing means chronic understaffing, increased employee turnover, and ultimately, lower quality of services for everyone.

The Burden on Public Services

A lack of affordable housing contributes to rising homelessness, which in turn puts a greater strain on public services. Cities are forced to spend more on shelters, emergency healthcare, and law enforcement to manage the growing number of people who cannot afford stable housing. Taxpayers ultimately bear the cost of these services, even if they themselves are securely housed. Investing in affordable housing is often a more cost-effective solution than dealing with the consequences of housing instability.

Neighborhood Stability and Crime Rates

When people cannot afford stable housing, it leads to higher rates of eviction, foreclosures, and frequent relocations, all of which disrupt communities. High turnover rates can lead to neglected properties, lower property values, and increased crime. Stable housing is directly linked to better educational outcomes for children, reduced crime rates, and overall stronger, healthier communities.

What Can Be Done?

Addressing the affordable housing crisis requires a combination of policy changes, private sector involvement, and community engagement. Some possible solutions include:

• Zoning reforms to allow for more diverse housing options, such as duplexes and accessory dwelling units.

• Incentives for developers to build affordable housing through tax credits and subsidies.

• Expanding rental assistance programs to help lower-income families stay housed.

• Employer-sponsored housing programs that provide workers with housing assistance.

Speonk Commons apartments

A Shared Responsibility

The affordable housing crisis is not just a problem for those struggling to pay rent—it’s a community-wide issue that affects businesses, public services, and the overall economy. Addressing this challenge requires collective action, smart policies, and a recognition that when housing is unaffordable, everyone pays the price. By working together to create more housing opportunities, we can build stronger, more resilient communities that benefit everyone. The Town of Southampton Housing Authority and Georgica Ventures are a perfect example of collaborating to create affordable Housing that is beautiful and well maintained.

Continue Reading
By

Women’s Health: Understanding Insulin Resistance and Its Impact on Menopausal Women

Understanding Insulin Resistance and Its Impact on Menopausal Women

What Is Insulin Resistance?

Insulin resistance is a metabolic condition in which the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, a hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. When this happens, the pancreas compensates by producing more insulin to keep blood glucose in check. Over time, this can lead to elevated insulin levels, increased fat storage, and a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

How Does Insulin Resistance Affect Menopausal Women?

Menopause is a time of significant hormonal changes, primarily characterized by a decline in estrogen levels. This hormonal shift contributes to various metabolic changes, including an increased likelihood of developing insulin resistance. Here’s how insulin resistance specifically impacts menopausal women:

Slower Metabolism

Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining insulin sensitivity. As estrogen levels decline during menopause, the body becomes less efficient at utilizing glucose for energy. This leads to higher blood sugar levels, increased fat storage, and a slower metabolism.

Increased Fat Storage, Particularly in the Abdominal Area

Before menopause, women tend to store fat in the hips and thighs due to estrogen’s influence. However, with lower estrogen levels, fat distribution shifts toward the abdominal area. Insulin resistance further exacerbates this issue by promoting fat accumulation around the waistline, often referred to as “visceral fat.” This type of fat is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.

Higher Risk of Weight Gain

Even if caloric intake remains the same, menopausal women often find it harder to maintain their weight. This is because insulin resistance, coupled with age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia), makes it more difficult to burn calories efficiently. Excess insulin levels signal the body to store fat rather than burn it for energy, making weight gain more likely, especially in the midsection.

Increased Cravings and Energy Crashes

Insulin resistance can cause fluctuating blood sugar levels, leading to intense cravings for carbohydrates and sugar. These cravings, combined with a slower metabolism, can contribute to overeating and further weight gain. Additionally, unstable blood sugar can cause energy crashes, making it harder to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Strategies to Manage Insulin Resistance During Menopause

Although insulin resistance can make weight management challenging during menopause, there are effective strategies to improve insulin sensitivity and support overall metabolic health:

Prioritize a Balanced Diet – Focus on whole foods, including lean proteins, fiber-rich vegetables, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Reducing processed foods and added sugars can help stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent insulin spikes.

Engage in Strength Training – Building muscle through resistance exercises can improve insulin sensitivity and help counteract age-related muscle loss.



Incorporate Cardiovascular Exercise – Activities such as walking, jogging, and cycling help burn excess glucose and improve metabolic function

Manage Stress – Chronic stress leads to elevated cortisol levels, which can worsen insulin resistance and promote abdominal fat storage. Practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help regulate stress hormones.

Prioritize Sleep – Poor sleep negatively affects insulin sensitivity and increases cravings for high-carb, sugary foods. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night.

Consider Intermittent Fasting – Some research suggests that intermittent fasting can enhance insulin sensitivity by giving the body longer periods to regulate blood sugar levels. However, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider before making dietary changes.


Insulin resistance plays a significant role in menopausal weight gain, particularly in the abdominal area. As estrogen levels decline, metabolism slows, fat distribution shifts, and the risk of metabolic disorders increases. However, by making targeted lifestyle changes—including diet modifications, regular exercise, stress management, and quality sleep—menopausal women can improve insulin sensitivity and maintain a healthier weight.

Continue Reading
By

Women’s Heath: What you need to know about Mammograms

“I’m interested in women’s health because I’m a woman. I’d be a darn fool not to be on my own side”Maya Angelou *

Women’s health encompasses a wide range of physical, mental, and reproductive well-being throughout different life stages. It includes essential aspects such as menstrual health, pregnancy, menopause, and conditions like osteoporosis, heart disease, and breast cancer, which affect women differently than men. Access to preventive care, screenings, and education on nutrition, exercise, and mental health is crucial for overall well-being. Addressing gender-specific health concerns and promoting equitable healthcare access can improve quality of life and longevity for women worldwide.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Florence Rolston,MD to talk about a topic that we are both passionate about which is Women’s Health. In Part 1 of a year long series about women’s health we discussed multiple topics that affect women’s health.

First part What you should know about Mammogram screening. Who should get a mammogram screening? When should you get a mammogram screening? Why should you get a mammogram screening?

Young Women Can and Do Get Breast Cancer
Continue Reading
By

Is Lyme Disease only a Summer Thing

A woman scratches her legs with redness, irritation and pimples from insect bites. Close-up. The concept of protection against mosquitoes, ticks and fleas.

Is Lyme Disease only a summer thing? The answer is No, Lyme disease is not just a summer issue, though the risk is highest in late spring and summer. The black-legged tick (deer tick), which spreads Lyme disease, can be active whenever temperatures are above freezing. In warmer climates, ticks can be a risk year-round. Even in colder areas, mild winter days can bring out ticks, so it’s important to take precautions whenever you’re in tick-prone areas. Read up on an article I wrote back in 2012 when my daughter starting experience symptoms in December and was not diagnosed until March. Lyme Disease, an Accidental Diagnosis

Lyme Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

3d rendered close up of a tick on the skin

What Is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and, in rare cases, Borrelia mayonii. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (also called deer ticks). If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to severe complications affecting the joints, heart, and nervous system.

How Is Lyme Disease Transmitted?

Lyme disease spreads through the bite of an infected tick. Ticks become infected when they feed on infected animals, such as mice or deer. Humans typically get bitten in wooded, grassy, or brushy areas where ticks thrive.

Ticks are most active from late spring through early fall, but in some regions, they can remain active year-round, especially in mild winters.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Lyme disease progresses in stages, and symptoms vary depending on how long the infection has been in the body.

Early Stage Symptoms (3–30 Days After a Tick Bite)
    •    Bullseye rash (erythema migrans) – a red, expanding rash that may resemble a target
    •    Fever and chills
    •    Fatigue
    •    Headache
    •    Muscle and joint aches
    •    Swollen lymph nodes

Later Stage Symptoms (Weeks to Months After a Tick Bite)
    •    Severe joint pain and swelling (Lyme arthritis)
    •    Neurological issues, such as facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy), numbness, or tingling
    •    Heart palpitations (Lyme carditis)
    •    Dizziness or shortness of breath
    •    Inflammation of the brain or spinal cord (in rare cases)

Diagnosis and Treatment

Doctors diagnose Lyme disease based on symptoms, exposure risk, and sometimes blood tests. Early-stage Lyme disease is typically treated with a short course of antibiotics, such as doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime. Most patients recover fully if treated early.

If Lyme disease is left untreated, it can lead to chronic symptoms that require extended antibiotic treatment.

Prevention Tips

Since Lyme disease is caused by tick bites, prevention focuses on reducing tick exposure:
    •    Avoid tick-prone areas: Stick to trails and avoid tall grass or brush.
    •    Wear protective clothing: Long sleeves, long pants, and light-colored clothing can help spot ticks.
    •    Use insect repellent: Products containing DEET or permethrin can deter ticks.
    •    Perform tick checks: After spending time outdoors, check your body, clothes, and pets for ticks.
    •    Shower and wash clothes: Taking a shower and putting clothes in the dryer on high heat can help remove or kill ticks.

What to Do If You Find a Tick

If you find a tick attached to your skin:
    1.    Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
    2.    Pull upward with steady, even pressure—avoid twisting or jerking.
    3.    Clean the bite area with alcohol or soap and water.
    4.    Dispose of the tick properly by flushing it or sealing it in a bag.
    5.    Monitor for symptoms of Lyme disease and contact a doctor if needed.

Conclusion

Lyme disease is a serious but preventable illness. By taking precautions in tick-prone areas and recognizing early symptoms, individuals can reduce their risk of infection and complications. If you suspect a tick bite and develop symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.

Continue Reading
By
Load More