13 minute read
Mainstreet Morehead
The Risks of a Sedentary Lifestyle
Health experts call it “sitting disease.” It refers to when people spend more of their time behind a desk or steering wheel of a car or planted in front of a television than they do engaging in physical activity. According to the American Heart Association, sedentary jobs have increased by 83 percent since 1950, and technology has reduced many people’s need to get up and move. Inactivity is taking a considerable toll on public health.
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A study from the University of Cambridge equated inactivity with being obese. The Mayo Clinic advises that research has linked sedentary behavior to a host of health concerns, and found those who sat for more than eight hours a day with no physical activity had a risk of dying similar to the risks of fatality linked to obesity and smoking. Increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol levels, and excess body fat all can be attributed to inactivity.
Mental health can be adversely affected by a sedentary lifestyle as well. Australian researchers surveyed more than 3,300 government employees and found men who sat for more than six hours a day at work were 90 percent more likely to feel moderate psychological distress, such as restlessness, nervousness or hopelessness, than those who sat for less than three hours a day.
In addition, a sedentary lifestyle can significantly increase a person’s risk for various types of cancer. A German meta-analysis of 43 studies involving four million people indicated those who sit the most have higher propensities to develop colon cancer, endometrial cancer and lung cancer.
Johns Hopkins Medical Center says research shows that high levels of exercise at some point in the day can lessen some risk, but it’s not entirely effective if most of the rest of the day a person is inactive. Risk for cardiovascular disease increases significantly for people who spend 10 hours or more sitting each day.
Various medical organizations recommend individuals get up and move at any opportunity to help reduce risks of inactivity. Erin Michos, M.D., M.H.S., associate director of preventive cardiology at the Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease, advises people who are very sedentary to aim for 4,000 steps per day. Such individuals can then build up to a target of 10,000 steps daily.
The Mayo Clinic recommends these strategies to reduce the amount of time you spend sitting. • Stand while talking on the phone or watching television • Invest in a standing desk • Get up from sitting every 30 minutes • Walk at lunch or during meetings
Sedentary lifestyles can affect health in many negative ways. But there are various ways to get up and go over the course of a typical day.
SUN~SURF REALTY
OCEANFRONT HOME W/ PANORAMIC VIEWS 7321 Ocean Dr., Emerald Isle $1,599,000 (MLS# 100243841)
UNDER CONTRACT IN 3 DAYS NEW LISTING
OCEANFRONT DUPLEX 7519 Ocean Dr., Emerald Isle $1,500,000 (MLS# 100263609)
OCEANFRONT LOT IN GATED COMMUNITY 10023 Sea Breeze Dr., Emerald Isle $785,000 (MLS# 100232112)
800-841-3102
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800-841-3102 For reservations or a free brochure, Book your beach vacation today! 800-841-3102 800-553-7873
UNDER CONTRACT NEW LISTING
2ND ROW OCEANVIEW HOME 124 Heverly Dr., East Unit, Emerald Isle $624,500 (MLS# 100272484)
SOUNDVIEW HOME 201 Georgia St., Emerald Isle $599,000 (MLS# 100269585)
UNDER CONTRACT NEW LISTING
SOUNDSIDE HOME
9258 Osprey Ridge Dr., Emerald Isle $460,000 (MLS# 100271998)
NEW LISTING
TOP FLOOR CORNER UNIT IN PEBBLE BEACH
Pebble Beach E. #301, Emerald Isle $460,000 (MLS# 100274024)
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BUILDING LOT IN ISLAND VIEW SHORES 103 Port Lane, Newport $98,000 (MLS# 100271799)
AFFORDABLE LOT IN WHITE OAK LANDING 167 Longwood Dr., Stella $49,000 (MLS# 100060224)
See these and all Crystal Coast Listings at:
SunSurfRealty.com Or call to order our new vacation rental guide
Inventory is EXTREMELY LOW! Most of our listings are under contract. If you are considering selling your property, please give our office a call at 252-354-2958. One of our real estate estate professionals will be happy to assist you! www.SunSurfRealty.com
~Emerald Tidings~
JULY 2021
Beach Nourishment Concludes; Stay off the Dunes
The Florence Renourishment Project – Phase III is completely done, thanks to the hard work of EarthBalance, who was planting along the new dunes over the past several weeks.
All oceanfront property owners are reminded they will need to contact the Town’s Planning Department to receive the proper permit before installing sand fencing along the new dunes. You can contact Josh Edmondson at 252-354-3338 to ensure you have the proper permits.
The public is reminded it is illegal to walk, sit, lay or play on the dunes, and we need your help to spread the message. Watch our video below and share it on Facebook or Twitter.
Disrupting the dunes is harmful to the new plants, and the sand structures that help protect our coastline.
Remember Beach Safety Tips this Summer
Here in Emerald Isle, we are grateful to have wonderful Ocean Rescue Lifeguards and Beach Patrol officers who help keep our residents and visitors safe. However, it is important to keep your own beach safety in mind and know what to do before heading out to enjoy the sand and surf.
Knowing our beach safety flag colors is key, and keep in mind that the town’s official recommendation is that you do not enter the water at all on red flag days. Now is a great time to review our spring beach safety flag video.
Additionally, you can view our Beach Safety FAQs on the town’s website.
Yard Debris Ordinance Updated
At the May Board of Commissioners meeting, an update to the town’s yard debris ordinance was approved. Changes include:
Yard Debris piles must be no larger than 10 feet long, by 10 feet wide, by 4 feet high at the curbside.
Larger items must be less than 6 feet in length and have a diameter less than 8 inches.
Leaves and grass clippings should be bagged in paper, biodegradable bags.
You can view full information about our yard debris pickup on our website.
The Emerald Isle Public Works Department has rolled out technology that gives town property owners a bird’s eye view where the yard debris trucks are along their routes. The system will allow residents to view the truck routes and see when their yard debris may be picked up by Public Works staff. Depending on various factors, such as distance traveled and the size of yard debris piles, times may vary on a weekly basis.
This new service was created by Greg Flinn, an independent contractor who has been working with the town.
“This new system will improve our level of customer service and will aid our staff when filing yard debris pickup reports,” said Artie Dunn, Public Works Director.
Emerald Isle Updates Covid-19 Protocols
In accordance with the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Gov. Roy Cooper, the Town of Emerald Isle has fully reopening its buildings to the public, including the Community Center.
Social distancing and mask requirements are no longer required on Town property for fully vaccinated individuals. Visitors who wish to do so can continue to wear a mask or maintain a six-foot distance from others.
In May, the CDC said that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear a mask inside, and North Carolina officials lifted several Covid-19 precautions shortly after.
North Carolina still requires masks to be worn in childcare settings, schools and camps, as well as on public transportation, in health care settings and in correctional facilities and homeless shelters.
In accordance with state guidelines, mask requirements will remain effective for Town operated preschool, after school and summer day camp programs.
2021 Hurricane Season Underway
The 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season has officially started, and you are encouraged to make your preparations before a storm arrives.
The town has released hurricane preparedness videos over the past six weeks to better educate the public on various topics that come to mind when a named storm is potentially heading our way.
You can always find hurricane preparedness information on our website, which includes a registration form for a disaster re-entry permit, in the event you do not have one. You should have your re-entry permit on hand before a storm is coming toward North Carolina.
Town Hall, 7500 Emerald Drive Emerald Isle, NC 28594 252-354-3424 • Fax 252-354-5068 Official Website: www.emeraldisle-nc.org
Published Monthly by the town of Emerald Isle for its Residents, Property Owners & Visitors
Composed by Matt Zapp, Town Manager
Sign up for the Medically Fragile List
Emerald Isle EMS provides for special medical care and/or help evacuating during disasters, including hurricanes, to those who are registered under the Medically Fragile List. This form should be completed and submitted to Emerald Isle EMS well in advance of impending disasters.
This form is available online on the town’s website.
Contact Emerald Isle EMS at 252-354-2249 if you have additional questions, or would like to register with the Medically Fragile list.
Please note, this registration service was previously handled through Carteret County Emergency Services. If you previously signed up through the County, you will need to register with Emerald Isle EMS.
Emerald Isle EMS Subscriptions Available
Emerald Isle EMS is offering a subscription program to help offset the cost of an ambulance transport. This optional annual subscription of $50 covers the direct costs of ambulance services not paid by your insurance. The $50 covers two people: the head of household, along with one other person. You may include others living in the household for an additional $10 each. Your subscription begins two days after receipt of application, payment, and acceptance by the Town of Emerald Isle’s EMS Department and expires on June 30, 2022. There will be no refunds for cancelled or forfeited memberships.
You can register online for the subscription program or call the EMS Department at 252-354-2249 to complete the information over the phone.
There are several free subscriptions available, thanks to a generous donation by Fortitude Roofing. You can call EMS Chief David Jones at 252-354-8595 to claim one during regular business hours.
Meet Your Local EI Public Service Professionals!
Get to know our hardworking town staff! Every Tuesday you can find our latest staff feature across our social media feeds. We appreciate all they do and want to shine a spotlight on their accomplishments.
Here are the four employees we recognized in the past month:
Sarah Diehl: Town Clerk and Human Resources Specialist
Tony Reese: Chief of Police
Chad Strawser: Emerald Isle Public Works Assistant Supervisor
Tony Sermarini: Emerald Isle EMS - EMT Basic
Emerald Isle Zipper Lane
The North Carolina Department of Transportation completed bridge repairs in mid-April and installed a zipper merge lane leading from The Highways 24-58 intersection onto the bridge toward Emerald Isle.
NCDOT has installed signage indicating where motorists should begin to merge.
Additional bridge work is slated for late 2021. For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.
Golf Cart Safety, Rules and Regulations Class
Due to Covid-19 guidelines, the Emerald Isle Golf Cart Safety, Rules & Regulations Class is only available online. To learn more and save $25 off your registration/renewal visit www.emeraldisle-nc.org/golf-cardregistration-program.
Please read the presentation carefully, as there will be a short test at the end. Participants must receive a score of 80% accuracy (or greater) to receive a discount of $25 off the 2021 Golf Cart Registration.
Once you submit the test, you will receive a confirmation email with your results. Please download and save your results. Then, attach the results to your online renewal application/ new application. Be sure to check the Golf Cart Safety Class Discount option on the GC application in order to upload your results and receive the $25 discount. Thank you and good luck!
Parks and Rec Spotlight: Emerald Isle Woods Park
Be sure to “stop” by Emerald Isle Woods and enjoy this beautiful site!
Emerald Isle Woods Park is a 41-acre park located at 9404 Coast Guard Road. When heading west on Coast Guard Road, the entrance to the park is located on the right side of the road, just after reaching Deer Horn Dunes.
The park provides the following amenities:
Floating Dock 4 Grills
Handicapped Accessible Picnic Pavilion
Pier Restrooms
NC Birding Trail Walking & Hiking Trails
A Disc Golf Course
Important Note: Disc Golf sets are available to check out at the Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation Community Center during normal operating hours. The sets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. All you need to do is provide is a copy of driver’s license and contact phone number as your deposit.
July 4th in Emerald Isle
Celebrating the birth of our great nation is a revered activity in Emerald Isle, normally capped with an exceptional fireworks display held on the 4th of July. Unfortunately, the Town of Emerald Isle made a very difficult decision this spring to forego the July 4th fireworks celebration.
At the time of the decision, strict COVID-19 restrictions were in place and future limitations were unknown. The Town also faced a near $286,000 fiscal deficit, due to unavoidable COVID-19 related expenses. If Town officials engaged in the time-sensitive pyrotechnic contract on April 13, 2021, it was uncertain if the fireworks celebration could even be held.
In order to avoid a loss of $24,000, the Town of Emerald Isle voted to save our taxpayers money. We are thankful that COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted and greater than 50 percent of the nation is now vaccinated.
Going forward, the town Board, staff and Tourism Development Authority are working together on alternative events later in the year.
We sincerely appreciate the community’s understanding and pray that everyone has a joyous and safe July 4th, 2021!
Tom Gill Releases New Book
Tom Gill, local author of five books from around the Crystal Coast, has released another children’s book, “Fridays are for Fish.” Second in the Maddy’s Week at the Beach series, this story takes place at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Pappy, Maddy and little sister Emily drive from their beach house at Emerald Isle to explore the world of fish and so much more. The first book, “Tuesdays are for Turtles,” was published last March.
The series blends family fun at the beach with an emphasis on science education.
Look for “Saturdays are for Seashells” in June, followed by “Mondays are for Mermaids” and the rest through 2021. Cut paper is the unique media used for the interior art by ECU grad and artist Debbie K. McCall of Huntersville.
Children of all ages, teachers, parents and grandparents will treasure this series.
Emerald Isle Book Store, The Atlantic Beach Book Mart, DeeGees in Morehead City and many other area stores carry Tom’s books including The Bridge, Return to Emerald Isle, and Randy’s Way, A Marine’s Faithbased Journey with ALS. All are also on Amazon and some are found at Barnes and Noble.
Tom is available to speak pro bono to interested groups such as book clubs, churches, schools and more. Contact him at C141club@aol.com
CCEC Announces Summer Rates
CCEC members will see a change in the energy charge on bills after June 1 as the co-op’s summer rate goes into effect. The summer residential rate, which is in effect until Oct. 1, is 9.98¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh). The rate change reflects prices the co-op pays for wholesale power.
However, because wholesale power costs have been lower than expected, CCEC members will see a credit increase in the wholesale power cost adjustment (WPCA) beginning with July bills. The credit is increasing from $2.25 per 1000 kWh of electricity to $4.50 per 1000 kWh of electricity. If your monthly use is 1000 kWh, you can expect to see your bill increase 5.6%. Without the additional WPCA credit, bills would increase 8.6%. For more information, go to ccemc.com/RatesRegs.
Latest News from Bogue Banks Water Corp.
Warmer weather is finally here, and our favorite season is upon us! We hope that each of you will be able to come and enjoy our beautiful island this summer. Please stop by and say hello while you are here. Our office is open!
We appreciate each one of you and appreciate your assistance in conserving our most valuable of resources: water!
Stay safe and healthy!
