“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?
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.
On a cold crisp day in Sag Harbor the flag flies at half-staff throughout January 2025 as a tribute for President Jimmy Carter who dies in late December 2024.
Hamptons Best Breakfast Picks..breakfast is not only the most important meal of the day, it is also my absolute favorite meal of the day. How many of you love a good Breakfast? How many of you could eat breakfast for every meal? When I cannot decide what to cook for dinner, my daughter turns to me and says let’s have breakfast food.
Are you so busy during the week rushing, that breakfast for you consists of breakfast on the go…fruit, smoothie, bagel, boiled egg or cereal? Wouldn’t you love to sit down on the weekend and have a big breakfast? When I have time, I like to indulge my family with a super-duper old style “my tradition” breakfast on the weekends by making omelets, bacon, grits, home-fries, biscuits, waffles or pancakes topped with sauteed bananas in hot maple syrup … I know I go completely over-board but so what. If you are only having this type of meal twice a month, what is the big deal? There are however those days when we like to go out to eat and I thought I would share my favorite breakfast spots with you. There is nothing more exasperating than going out for breakfast and being disappointed, so here are some Hamptons favorites by both myself and my friends. Enjoy!
Hamptons Best Breakfast Picks
Estia’s in Sag Harbor...1615 Bridgehampton Sag Harbor Turnpike, Sag Harbor, NY (631) 725-1045 estiaslittlekitchen.com
Breakfast with a mexican touch..It a small place and the wait could be out the door on a Saturday Morning. Tip: try the Omelets* breakfast Burrito with the spicy mexican salsa and the short stack with fresh blueberries and bananas..
Provisions in Sag Harbor..7 Main St, Sag Harbor, NY 11963 (631) 725-3636 www.provisionsnaturalfoods…Tip:try the spinach omelette…really good..then make sure you come back there for lunch…
Sant Ambroeus, Southampton
Sant Ambroeus: Southampton..30 Main St, Southampton, NY 11968 (631) 283-1233www.santambroeus.com .…Tip: Try the French toast (a personal favorite)
Pierre’s in Bridgehampton2468 Main St, Bridgehampton, NY 11932 Try the French toast, it is delicious, melts in your mouth. They are more on the pricey side but if you are on a budget you might want to avoid ordering a Mimosa. pierresbridgehampton.com
John’s Pancake House, Montauk,721 Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954 If pancakes is your breakfast favorite, then you will enjoy John’s Pancake House in Montauk. (full disclosure I have only ever had the pancakes)
Fairway Restaurant, Sagaponak at the Poxabogue Golf Center – 3556 Montauk Hwy, Bridgehampton, NY 11932 – Breakfast served all day! That is a definite plus. fairwayrestaurantcafeonthegram.com
Claude’s Restaurant, Southampton Inn – 91 Hill Street, Southampton, NY 11968 | click here to see menu
Sip ‘N Soda, Southampton, 40 Hamptons Road, Southampton – A family friendly place to go with your kids, but bring cash, they do not accept credit cards. On a positive it is affordable. sipnsoda.com
Eckart’s Luncheonette, Westhampton Beach, 162 Mill Road, 631-288-9491 | click here for menu (FYI: cash only)
Breakfast is very important for you to perform at your best. It is not a good idea to skip breakfast in the interest of saving time, calories, or getting a few more minutes of sleep, remember that eating a wholesome, nutritious morning meal will probably save you time in the long run. Some people skip breakfast in an effort to lose weight. Skipping breakfast is strongly linked to the development of obesity.
I love Breakfast food and did you know that breakfast should be your heaviest meal of the day. The benefits of eating your biggest meal for breakfast may have less to do with your body and more to do with your mind. When you eat a larger breakfast, you may feel more satisfied and less deprived throughout the day. This satisfaction can help you to stick to your diet and make you less inclined to overeat in the evening.
There are several other places throughout the Hamptons that have really delicious breakfast sandwiches, acai bowls, (my personal favorite is Hamptons Beach Bowls in bridgehampton) Drop me a line and let me know your favorite place in the Hamptons to have Breakfast.
AT&T Contributes $10,000 to the Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center’s Teen and College Prep Programs
Bridgehampton, New York –AT&T today announced a $10,000 contribution to the Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center to support online and in-person programming for The Center’s D.R.E.A.M Team and college preparatory programs.
The D.R.E.A.M. Team offers 8-12th graders a space to build self-esteem, teaching leadership skills and social awareness. Free to teens, the program offers inspirational and educational seminars, chess clubs, cooking classes and field trips. Earlier this year, the program’s continued work with inspirational speakers helped to calm and encourage teens, during a time when many of their year-end plans had been cancelled. The Center’s college prep programs aim to help students make college decisions and prepare for college life. The programs include weekly SAT classes, college tours, networking, one on one college guidance for students and their families, and development programming.
“This year, young people have faced uncertainty and challenges in their academic journeys as schools and enrichment programs have been modified or canceled,” said Amy Kramer, President, New York, AT&T. “AT&T is committed to ensuring that Long Island students can still learn, have fun and interact this fall, and is proud to support the Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center so they can safely offer in-person and virtual programming to teens in the community.”
“The Center is a unique place, the heart of our community for over 65 years. Our youth strive and thrive in our many programs. We are so honored to have the continued support of AT&T for our teen and college prep programs. You are helping improve the lives and futures for our teens. Thank you,” said Bonnie Michelle Cannon, Executive Director.
Assemblyman Fred Thiele stated, “The Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center has long been a beacon in our community, offering educational and enrichment programs to students and serving as a lifeline to working families on the East End. Their dedication throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been unmatched as they have tirelessly supported students and families in navigating this new normal. The BHCCRC’s College Prep program in particular, has proved vital for many, helping countless students realize their potential and prepare to enter higher education. I can think of no organization more deserving of this generous donation. Thank you, AT&T for supporting the Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center and the essential programs they offer.”
“Thank you AT&T for supporting the Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center’s college prep program. Getting a college education is more important than ever for opening up economic opportunities for our youth,” said Jay Schneiderman, Southampton Town Supervisor.
AT&T’s support for the Center’s teen and college prep programs is part of the Company’s legacy of supporting educational programs in Long Island and throughout New York through AT&T Aspire, the Company’s signature $550 million philanthropic initiative that drives innovation in education by bringing diverse resources to bear on the issue, including funding, technology, employee volunteerism and mentoring. Aspire is one of the nation’s largest corporate commitments focused on school success and workforce readiness by creating new learning environments and education delivery systems to help students succeed and prepare them to take on 21st century careers.
Nationally, AT&T has commited an additional $10 million this year to create economic opportunities and foster upward mobility for Black and underserved communities who face long-standing social inequities and higher unemployment, all of which are exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the company has created the AT&T Distance Learning and Family Connections Fund, a $10 million COVID-19 relief program launched to give parents, caregivers and teachers tools they need to educate students remotely.
AT&T Inc. is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. We have a long history of investing in projects that create learning opportunities, promote academic and economic achievement, and address community needs. OurAT&T Aspire initiative uses innovation in education to drive student success in school and beyond. With a financial commitment of $550 million since 2008, AT&T is leveraging technology, relationships and social innovation to help all students make their biggest dreams a reality.
About The Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center
The Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center was born out of tragedy in 1949 after a fire in a migrant camp killed two children of seasonal workers. The summer colony rallied to create The Center, which has since served the East End community’s children with educational and enrichment programs for over 65 years. For many working parents, The Center is a lifeline. Their children flourish in our many programs and play safely on the six-acre farm and fields donated to establish The Center in the 1950s.
The Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center was born out of tragedy in 1949 after a fire in a migrant camp killed two children of seasonal workers. The summer colony rallied to create The Center, which has since served the East End community’s children with educational and enrichment programs for over 65 years. For many working parents, The Center is a lifeline. Their children flourish in our many programs and play safely on the six-acre farm and fields donated to establish The Center in the 1950s.
Content provided by The Bridgehampton and Childcare Recreational Center
