nyforseniors.com | Spring 2017
Ruben Diaz Jr.
Brings Gospel Concert To Bronx Seniors Page 12 - 13
Photos
Page
Page 8
Scott M. Stringer Calls For Strategic City Planning For Seniors
Felix Ortiz
NY State Assembly District 51
Presbyterian Senior Services
Circle of Care Program
Ruben Diaz Jr. Bronx Borough President Carmen Sanabria Singer
Contents The Guide
Features
Events Calender
Brooklyn ................................................. 19 Queens ................................................... 20 Bronx ...................................................... 21 Manhattan .............................................. 22
Cover Story Ruben Diaz Jr. Brings Gospel Concert To Bronx Seniors ........... 12
Featured Stories Interview With Assemblyman Felix Ortiz ....................... 5 New Orleans Comes To Brooklyn At Tilden Center Mardi Gras Event ......... 6 Wellness Fair At Brownsville Recreation Center ................ 7 Photos Page ............................................. 8 Scott Stringer Calls For Strategic City Planning For Seniors .......... 10 Successful Health Fair In Sunset Park...... 11 Spring At Farmers’ Markets .................... 14 Presbyterian Senior Services Helping Caregivers ................................... 15 Simple Ways To Faster WiFi .................... 16 Senior Center Bill of Rights .................... 23
New Orleans Comes To Brooklyn At Tilden Center Mardi Gras Event
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Scott Stringer Calls For Strategic City Planning
Successful Health Fair In Sunset Park
Spring At Farmers’ Markets
Healthy Living Tips
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Health
Aching After Exercise ............................ 17 Healthy Living .................................... 18
Publisher: JIG Media 68 Jay Street, 2nd Floor, Suite E6 Brooklyn, NY 11201 (718)285-9351 | www.JIG.media
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Managing Editor: Wayne Jordan Contributing Writers: Nikkia Rivera, Angella Brown, Rose L. Smith, Simone LeConte-Parker, Susie R. Spodek (GrowNYC) Photographers: Martin Abrahams, Maureen Hines Graphic Designer: Michael Costanzo
Dealing with depression and loneliness? According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, more than 15 million adults in the U.S. suffer from depression. While there are many causes that lead to depression, feelings of loneliness and isolation put people, especially seniors, at a higher risk. But, no one has to be stuck feeling alone. AlphaCare has some suggestions for things you can do to fight feelings of loneliness: Stay connected: If you don’t have a phone, you may be able to get a low-cost or free cell phone. If you don’t have a computer, your local library may have Internet-connected computers available to use. Be more social: Call family members and friends just to “check in.” Make yourself available for social gatherings. Take a class, volunteer, or use a hobby to connect with others. Get a ride: Find out how you might get transportation assistance so you can take part in activities, and visit family and friends. Social Adult Day Services: As a member of AlphaCare, Social Adult Day Services are a part of the benefits provided by the plan. The centers have events and activities that can help you make new friends. Talk with your doctor: If you have low vision or poor hearing, ask about getting tested. Addressing these concerns can help you more fully engage with others.
AlphaCare.com
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Publisher’s Message Spring 2017 in New York City
Spring is here, making this the perfect time to get out and enjoy New York City, including your local Farmers’ Market. This spring, GrowNYC, in partnership with AlphaCare, and New York for Seniors, will begin the free Farmers’ Market tours, for senior centers. Be sure to contact New York for Seniors at 718-285-9351 to book a tour for your center. I believe this is one of our best issues to date, with a feature on Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., and his first Gospel Concert
for Bronx seniors, important information from Comptroller Scott Stringer, coverage of Tilden Center’s Mardi Gras event, and more. We would like to remind, and encourage senior center directors, elected officials, and senior-focused agencies, to send in your list of events and program information, for inclusion on the nyforseniors.com website, and possible inclusion in the upcoming issues of the magazine. Thank you for your continued support of the New York for Seniors initiative, and have a great spring season. Vernon K. Jones Publisher
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
Submit your events/news to New York for Seniors Submit To: Editor@NYforSeniors.com Call: 718.285.9351 To Advertise contact Simone LeConte-Parker slp@jig.media or call 718-285-9351 4 | nyforseniors.com
Interview With Assemblyman Felix Ortiz (which was later passed as law), Ortiz has earned a favorable reputation among his senior constituents, 10,000 of whom live in Sunset Park in Brooklyn, part of Ortiz’s district, along with Red Hook, Greenwood, and parts of Gowanus, Bay Ridge, and Park Slope. “Many seniors are concerned about affordable senior housing, safety, and health,” says Ortiz, who has worked tirelessly to secure funding for local senior centers. “The senior housing locations are full and have long waiting lists. My staffers assist constituents with many of these housing issues.”
Originally from Puerto Rico, Felix Ortiz has represented New York’s 51st Assembly District since first elected in 1994. During his tenure, Ortiz has served as chair of several committees and legislative task forces including Veterans Affairs, Mental Health, Food, Farm and Nutrition, among others. In 2004, Ortiz passed a law to create five eating disorder centers across the state to help those who suffer from illnesses including anorexia and bulimia. His initiatives to counter obesity and diabetes were recognized by First Lady Michelle Obama. As a result, his weight management concepts became part of the Affordable Care Act. In February 2015, Assemblymember Ortiz was appointed Assistant Speaker of the New York State Assembly. He is the first Hispanic to hold the position. Widely known for his 2000 legislation banning the use of handheld mobile phones while behind the wheel
Annually, Ortiz sponsors health fairs that cater to senior residents. The fairs consist of activities including health screenings, exercise demonstrations like Pilates and Zumba, and free information from health insurance companies and city agencies. While not all of the district’s senior population has embraced the Internet and social media, Ortiz relies on alternative ways to communicate with aging residents, like via a mailed newsletter, in addition to community meetings, celebrations and good old-fashioned door-to-door visits. “Whenever, I am back from Albany I like to visit the senior centers located in my district. It’s always fun to catch a game of dominos,” Ortiz said. Brooklyn Office 5004 4th Ave Brooklyn, NY 11220 (718)492-6334 nyforseniors.com | 5
New Orleans Comes To Brooklyn At Tilden Center Mardi Gras Event
By Angella Brown The good times rolled in at Tilden Senior Center in Brownsville, Brooklyn on Mardi Gras, where over 150 lively seniors gathered to celebrate Fat Tuesday, with a festive luncheon. A richly decorated dining room at the center welcomed guests for a taste of Louisiana home cooking. Every attendee received colorful party favors, noisemakers, and authentic beads like the kind freely thrown on New Orleans’ famous Bourbon Street every year. The full menu was a treat for the Fat Tuesday revelers: fried fish, gumbo, cajun chicken wings, potato salad, collard greens, cornbread and rolls. For dessert, there was traditional king cake, a sweet pastry colorfully decorated with the jubilant royal colors of purple, green and gold sugar.
Photo by Angella Brown
Tilden Senior Center Director, Wanda Burris
Assemblywoman Latrice Walker (District 55), pitched in to help even before the crowds began to arrive. She helped the volunteers organize and bag party favors. “This is one of my favorite events at Tilden,” she said. Miss Burris is originally from New Orleans, so her Mardi Gras style is authentic. With her personal flair, she really brings it for Fat Tuesday!
It was immediately clear this annual fete is a labor of love for TSC Director, Wanda Burris. Born and raised in New Orleans, Miss Burris finally left the Big Easy for Brooklyn after historic Hurricane Betsy in 1965. After stints in construction and banking, Miss Burris joined Prior to lunch, guests had a chance to mingle the TSC staff as acting director in 1992, at the and snap selfies while wearing eclectic request of a local pastor working with seniors accessories like bright feather boas and glittery in the community. Miss Burris is proud of the fancy hats. A live band provided entertainment: now 700+ senior membership of TSC, saying: jazzy, traditional second line numbers that “These seniors are active! We go on bus trips, urged guests to get up out of their seats cruises…we’ve been to Nashville, Atlanta, the and dance! There was also time to visit the Caribbean…we stay on the move.” The Mardi AlphaCare table and pick up information and Gras event, which has grown steadily every free swag. Community Outreach Manager, year, has taken more and more of her time, but Beatrice Morton was delighted to be in Burris feels this is her calling. “I love what I do. attendance. “Once again, Alphacare is a proud I am a child of God, and I feel I will do His will, sponsor of the Mardi Gras celebration at do it ‘til He says I’m done.” Tilden Senior Center,” said Morton. “Special Tilden Senior Center thanks to director Wanda Burris and all her 630 Mother Gaston Blvd. volunteers, for helping to bring a little New Brooklyn, NY 11212 Orleans to Brooklyn.” (718)498-2990
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Wellness Fair At Brownsville Recreation Center
BRC staff. “We have such a robust offering [of classes] here, including yoga, swimming and ballroom dancing. Plus they go on trips and put on plays. They get to stay active and have fun.” Representatives from SUNY Downstate Medical Center manned a table packed with pamphlets regarding HIV prevention, sexually transmitted diseases, and safe sex practices. Marian Searchwell, Program Coordinator, shared a startling local statistic: In New York City, the rate that seniors (ages 65+) acquire sexually transmitted diseases is at an all-time high. The SUNY program is working with city and state health officials to re-educate seniors, many of whom do not consider themselves an “at-risk” population.
Did you know Internet-enabled caption phones are available free of charge for users Photo by Martin Abrahams with hearing aids? Dorothy Bruns of Clear Captions demonstrated the features of the By Angella Brown Ensemble phone, which displays text of It was a nice midweek reprieve for the seniors conversations in near real-time on a large who came out for a Senior Fair / Black History color touchscreen. The sleek, high tech-looking Month event at Brownsville Recreation Center device is really user-friendly, and compatible (BRC). Guests enjoyed continental breakfast with all carriers, in any state. Several seniors and refreshments as they were entertained with spoke with Ms. Bruns about setting up future performances by active BRC members. BRC in-home product demos and installations. boasts one of the largest senior memberships in the five boroughs with over 1,000 regular Other senior fair participants included attendees. AlphaCare, MTA Access-A-Ride, NYPD After a welcome address by Recreation Director Vivian Jett-Brown, various senior groups took the floor to impress the audience with their skills. A small Tai Chi class illustrated the graceful movements of the centuries-old, stress-relieving discipline, and the Golden Nugget Seniors Helping Seniors ensemble demonstrated dance routines practiced in their weekly sessions. “These seniors are as young as the spring is long,” said Ms. Jett-Brown, a 19-year veteran of the
Community Affairs, New York Life, FDNY Fire Safety Education Unit, NYC Department for the Aging, Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, Elmy’s Special Services and Centers Plan for Healthy Living and NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Brownsville Recreation Center 1555 Linden Blvd. Brooklyn, NY 11212 (718)345-2706
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EVENT PHOTOS
AlphaCare staff receiving citation from Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
Larcenia Walton Director, Senior Services, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., and Bharati Kemraj
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., and Honorable Aurelia Greene
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Senior Services staff (Senior Services Divas)
Sunset Park Health Fair
Tai Chi demonstration at Brownsville Recreation Center
TSC Director Wanda Burris (Centered) with Assemblywoman Latrice Walker, and others at Mardi Gras celebration
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Assemblywoman Latrice Walker at Mardi Gras celebration at Tilden Senior Center
Healthy eating Tofu watercress salad Serves 2-4
Nutrition Spotlight! • Tofu, which is made from soybean curds, is naturally gluten-free and low in calories; it contains no cholesterol and is an excellent source of protein, iron, and calcium. Countless studies have suggested that increasing consumption of plant-based foods like tofu, decreases the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Ingredients • 1 16-oz (1 lb) block regular or firm tofu, cut into small cubes • 1 pint (~10.5oz) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved • 1 bunch watercress, cut into 1 segments • 1/2 bunch cilantro, rough chopped • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• • • • • •
2 tbsp sesame seeds 3/4 cup soy sauce 1/2 cup sugar 2 tsp sesame oil 2 tbsp fish sauce (patis) sriracha
Preparation Rinse watercress and red onion under cold water to remove any dirt and crisp up the red onion. Drain well. Combine watercress, red onion, tofu, sesame seeds and tomatoes in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, fish sauce and sriracha to desired spiciness and pour over watercress. Mix salad together and allow to sit for at least 30 minutes so all the flavors can blend.
AlphaCare.com
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Scott Stringer Calls For Strategic City Planning For Seniors cohesive, long-term planning process from the City in order to streamline services and develop a holistic strategy. Some Solutions Proposed by Scott Stringer
Original Media Source: NYC Newswire Recently, New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer called on the City to launch an agency-by-agency, neighborhood-byneighborhood approach to serving its seniors. Stringer unveiled a new report entitled “Aging with Dignity: A Blueprint for Serving NYC’s Growing Senior Population”. Important Stats • By 2040, city planners expect there will be 1.4 million older adults living in New York City – an increase of hundreds of thousands of people from today. • Over 40 percent of senior-headed households depend on government programs for more than half their income. • Six out of 10 senior renters spend more than 30 percent of their income on rent – a significantly higher percentage than the general population. Despite widespread documentation of these challenges, the City is not engaged in a comprehensive planning process for its seniors. As such, today, the Comptroller called for a
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Freezing rents by automatically enrolling New Yorkers in the Senior Citizens Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE): Additional senior renters can more easily remain in their apartments if they are automatically enrolled in the (SCRIE) program, which freezes their rent. Limiting affordability challenges by expanding tax credits through the Senior Citizens Homeowners’ Exemption: To support seniors who own their homes, the City should expand eligibility for the program to cover those with incomes up to $50,000. That would make approximately 29,000 more homeowners eligible for the program and mitigate affordability challenges. Creating tailored, neighborhood action plans by expanding the Age-Friendly Neighborhoods program: In 2010, the City launched the “Age-Friendly Neighborhoods” program, which created neighborhood action plans for over a dozen neighborhoods to better support seniors. To do long-term planning, that program should be expanded significantly so communities can pinpoint their needs in a local way. For full report contact Comptroller Scott Stringer: (212)669-3916 / action@comptroller.nyc.gov
Successful Health Fair In Sunset Park By Simone LeConte-Parker New York City is full of things to do and attending the Second Annual Community Health Fair in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, proved to be a good choice. Presented by the Office of Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, in conjunction with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, this fair provided a myriad of resources for attendees. There was a steady stream of people at the Sunset Park Recreation Center, who were eager to obtain health-related information, speak with vendors, and utilize other services provided at the event. Some of the available services included blood pressure screening, free rapid HIV testing, and health insurance enrollment. March was Tuberculosis Awareness Month so free and confidential tuberculosis (TB) testing was also available. According to the New York City Department of Health, getting tested is important because TB can be prevented and cured. Carmen Calderin, Director of Constituent Services for the Office of Assistant Speaker, Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, stated that “there is a high rate of TB in Sunset Park communities.” With a diverse crowd present for the event,
including Asian and Hispanic individuals, several of them were able to get tested. Ms. Calderin added “we are so excited that the information we sent out into the community helped us get a good turnout.” Another highlight was the availability of free information provided by some organizations to help seniors stay on top of their health care. One such organization is United Senior Citizens of Sunset Park, which is funded by the NYC Department for the Aging. They provided information for seniors and some of their members even participated in the free testing. Also present at this event was AlphaCare, which provided resources for seniors to help keep them active in their communities. Through AlphaCare’s Managed Long Term Care (MLTC) plan, they focus on the unique challenges of dealing with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities. This Community Health Fair provided something for everyone including the very young. Parents were able to obtain information on free Child ID Kits. Children were even able to entertain themselves with free balloons and school supplies while parents and grandparents gathered useful information and free giveaways from various vendors. nyforseniors.com | 11
. r J z a i D n e b Ru A chilly April day didn’t prevent scores of Bronx-area seniors from lining up in front of Dreiser Loop Community Center in Co-Op City. The early bird gospel fans were eagerly anticipating the inaugural Bronx Gospel Concert, a free event presented by the Office of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. Billed as “Generation Fest: Bridging the Gap with Music,” it was an afternoon of inspirational song, dance and praise. With assistance from his wonderful staff of “Senior Services Divas,” led by Director of Senior Services Larcenia Walton, the borough president himself greeted attendees on line, stopping to pose for pictures and give hugs as he thanked many of them personally for coming out. Diaz’s office received over 850 RSVPs through local senior centers, and the 12 | nyforseniors.com
l e p s o G s g n i r B venue seating was nearly at capacity when it was time for the program to begin. After a welcome by the day’s emcees, Elder Nitisha Moore of Relay for Life, and local radio personality Dr. Bob Lee of WBLS-FM 107.5, Deputy Bronx Borough President, the Honorable Aurelia Greene, led the invocation, a reading of Psalm 145. During his opening remarks, Diaz, a self-described “preacher’s kid,” said: “…one of the best ways to connect with the Lord is through music…we’re gonna have a good time today!” He encouraged every audience member to get up out of their seats and dance, if the spirit of the music hit them. And indeed, the enthusiastic senior crowd did just that. It felt more like Sunday inside as every act took the crowd to church. Performance after performance, the place filled with spiritual
o T t r e c Con
s r o i n e S x n o Br Manager, noted: “Today is remarkable! I am overwhelmed at the size of the crowd, but I love gospel music, too, so I know they’re here for an uplifting good time.” She added her appreciation for the recognition AlphaCare received from Ruben Diaz prior to the start of the concert, saying “…this is an impressive first event; AlphaCare looks forward to many more successful partnership opportunities in the Bronx.”
sounds by singers like Andrea Brown, Pastor Wilson Mercado and Richard Talbert, Jr. Songstress Shayla Hernandez even sneaked in a secular tune, Michael Jackson’s “Man In The Mirror,” to which the seniors swayed and sang along. Other crowd-pleasing acts included saxophonist Tony Smith, God’s Anointed Praise Dancers, 76-years-young “la cantante” Spanish singer Carmen Sanabria, and Bollywood performer, Bharati S. Kemraj. Eva Lazaar is a ReServist (Retired Seniors in Service) outreach specialist for the Parkchester During intermission, concert-goers munched Empowerment Program. Eva learned about on complimentary “goody bag” snacks while the event on Facebook, and knew she wanted they perused the sponsor tables, where to stop by. “Programs here [at Dreiser they were able to shop for fashions and Community Center] are always nice. There was accessories with Etsy shop Diana’s Tees, an interfaith breakfast here not too long ago. I and Bronx-based Sasi Designs. At other love inspirational music and song, and today’s tables, visitors collected senior resources event brought out the best of the Co-Op City information from organizations like Age community.” Well NY and Mass Mutual Financial Group. Office of the Bronx Boro President Among the many health care providers in 851 Grand Concourse, 3rd Floor attendance was AlphaCare, a Magellan Health Bronx, New York 10451 Managed Long-Term Care company. Beatrice (718)590-3500 Morton, AlphaCare Community Outreach nyforseniors.com | 13
Spring At The Farmers’ Market
Greenmarkets are wonderful places to explore new tastes and flavors. Try vegetables you’ve never eaten before, perhaps ramps, rhubarb or garlic scapes. Or, maybe try a familiar vegetable that looks a little unusual, such as a pink potato or a purple carrot. How about seasoning your food with an unusual herb, like tricolor sage? Or, you can flavor your water with fresh sprigs of spearmint or lemon balm. If you see a vegetable you don’t recognize, ask the farmer all about it–especially how to prepare it. Often, you can sample vegetables before making a purchase. Don’t hesitate to ask!
Finally, Spring is here! Enjoy the Season at a Greenmarket!
Then, there are those favorites that taste especially delicious when picked fresh. Who can resist red, juicy strawberries picked just before they are brought to market? How about fresh spears of asparagus or sweet peas?
There are more than 50 GrowNYC Greenmarkets located throughout all five boroughs of New York City. At these farmers’ markets, farmers sell produce grown on their farms situated within a few hours of New York City. Some farms are even right here in the city itself!
Also, take advantage of the newly expanded Health Bucks program, now year-round! If you shop with EBT/SNAP, you will receive a $2 Health Bucks voucher for fruits and vegetables, free of charge, for every $5 you spend on food at the Greenmarket. Spend $10 and you’ll get $4 for free!
As the days get longer, the ground thaws, leaves bud and flowers bloom. You can feel all of this happening in the Greenmarkets. Week by week, a greater variety of produce appears. The first spring vegetables are leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and arugula. Root vegetables like potatoes, beets, and carrots are also still available, and bring color to our plates. Hardy herbs like parsley, rosemary, and cilantro add spring flavors. And, of course, the increasing variety of beautiful potted and cut flowers signals that spring has arrived!
Did you know that EBT/SNAP can also be used to purchase plants that grow food? You can use EBT/SNAP to buy tomato plants, potted herbs, and anything else that might grow food in your garden or home!
By Susie R. Spodek
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So, this spring, visit a Greenmarket where the countryside meets the city, bringing fresh tastes of the farm to you. For more information visit: grownyc.org
Helping Caregivers Through the Circle of Care By Simone LeConte-Parker According to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, it is estimated that over five million Americans may have the disease. As the population continues to live longer, the need for caregiver assistance has become more prevalent than ever. PSS (Presbyterian Senior Services), a Manhattan-based nonprofit organization, recognizes this need and provides many support programs through its Circle of Care program, nine senior centers, Coming of Age, and more. PSS operates three senior centers in Harlem in conjunction with NYCHA, six more in the Bronx, and a senior apartment in Corona, Queens called PSS Alberta L. Alston House. PSS also operates the Grandparents Family Apartments in the Bronx, and it is the first in the country for grandparents who have legal guardianship and are raising their grandchildren.
Health. This grant provides services for family members caring for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementia. We had the privilege of meeting two dedicated women who help lead the PSS Circle of Care Program, namely Katherine Martinez, Deputy Director and Julissa Sosa, Director of Kinship and Latino Outreach. As we listened to them elaborate on the Circle of Care, their enthusiasm was contagious. We shared their excitement and looked forward to future discussions with them. The Executive Director of PSS, Rimas Jasin, emphasized that caregivers today “are struggling to balance work, family, home… and now the additional burden of caring for someone with dementia. For many it can become overwhelming, which is why Circle of Care is so important.”
It is quite apparent why the Circle of Care is such an important program. It treats caregivers As a result of their commitment to seniors, PSS with respect while providing them with needed received two major grants. The first grant from support. the NYC Department for the Aging covers the Bronx and Upper Manhattan and it allows Presbyterian Senior Services: PSS to service over 1,800 families per year. In 2095 Broadway – Suite 409 addition, they are now able to expand their New York, NY 10023 caregiver services to all five boroughs with a Phone: (212)874-6633 very generous $ 7.5- million-dollar, five-year Website: pssusa.org grant from the New York State Department of nyforseniors.com | 15
Simple Ways To Faster WiFi
the router’s waves. While slow WiFi can be a sign of more internal troubles, it can also be the effect of something as simple as the placement of a router. For faster, more reliable WiFi, try these tricks. Place your router at the center of your home. This will make the WiFi more evenly distributed throughout your home. If a router is placed close to a corner, then the opposite side of the home will receive weaker reception.
By Nikkia Rivera Over 95% of Americans are connected to wireless internet, mostly through routers inside their homes. Yet, a lot of people don’t know what exactly WiFi is, or how they can get the best connection. Here, we go over the basics of WiFi and simple tricks you can do to ensure the fastest connection. What Is WiFi? WiFi is what connects wireless devices to the internet. Just like radios and cellphones, WiFi is transmitted through radio waves, which carry data through a network. WiFi is transmitted through a router, which generally travels short distances. This is why WiFi connection stops once a device is moved farther away from the router. The farther a device connected to WiFi gets from the router, the weaker the connection becomes. Depending on the router, this distance can vary from anywhere between 115 to 230 ft. There are a lot of different factors that can cause WiFi to weaken. Surfaces such as wood, concrete, and metal can all hinder a router’s radio waves. Other radio waves, admitted from other devices and appliances, can also hinder
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Don’t place the router behind closed doors or on the floor. The surfaces of doors, walls, and floors can absorb some of the radio waves. Keeping your router in a high, open area will prevent that. If your router has movable antennas, place one vertically and one horizontally. Devices such as cell phones and computers have antennas inside the device which receive the router’s radio signals. These devices connect to WiFi best when the router’s antennas are parallel to theirs. Since antennas in laptops and computers are usually placed horizontally and cell phones are often held vertically, the router can easily connect to both. Keep your router updated. Technology advances fast. A router made in 2011 is going to work much less efficiently than a router made in 2016. Slow WiFi or continuously dropped connections may be caused by an old router. Keep away from other radio waves. Televisions, microwaves, radios, cordless phones, and other appliances all submit radio waves which can interfere with WiFi radio waves. While it’s pretty hard to keep a router away from all appliances, try to keep routers away from spots like under a television or right next to a phone or computer.
Aching After Exercise By Nikkia Rivera As worrisome as it may seem, the soreness you feel after exercising is completely normal. In fact, pretty much everyone who has ever worked out has felt the same soreness. This soreness is called delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). It occurs after the body goes through an unfamiliar strenuous workout, usually affecting the person the next day. While the exact cause has never been distinguished, the most agreed upon theory is that the muscle fiber experiences small rips and wounds that cause the affected muscles to feel sore. Once the muscles begin to mend, the pain subsides. While the idea of your muscles tearing is a scary one, it’s actually perfectly normal. The damage is microscopic, and it doesn’t cause your muscles any lasting damage. Once your body starts getting used to your new exercise routine, the soreness will quickly subside. Knowing the Difference Between Soreness and Pain While understanding that soreness is completely natural, feeling pain during and after exercising is not. A few of the key differences between DOMS and pain are:
while exercising, whether it be moderate or severe, stop immediately. DOMS goes away Muscle soreness should fade away within one to two days, and doesn’t leave any lasting issues. If pain felt after exercising doesn’t abate, then you should visit a doctor. Here are some afflictions that may include pain caused by exercising: pulled muscles, pinched nerves, and joint pain. Any pain, no matter how subtle, shouldn’t be ignored, especially if you feel it every time you work out. You should be extremely cautious of any pain felt in the head, neck, back, or ankles. The most important thing to remember when exercising is to know your limits. The majority of the time, pain is not caused by exercise, but instead other preexisting conditions. If you know you have joint issues, then participate in low-impact exercises like Tai Chi. If you have asthma or lung issues, be sure to pace yourself and take frequent breaks when doing strenuous exercise. Take an interest in learning about your body’s limitations, and always listen to your body when you feel like you have to pull back. When exercising, always start slow, and work yourself up at your own pace.
DOMS is Moderate Muscle soreness will make your muscles feel sore, achy, and stiff, but should not cause you unbearable pain. If you do feel pain, especially if the pain is in the joints, then you should visit a doctor. Pain Can Happen Immediately If you feel pain during an exercise, then it’s not muscle soreness. DOMS is delayed, so it doesn’t occur while exercising. If you feel any pain
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Healthy Living National Women’s Health Week Tips
National Men’s Health Month Tips
National Women’s Health Week starts each year on Mother’s Day, May 14th and continues through May 20th. Women are encouraged to make their health a priority and get recommended screenings and preventive care.
June is Men’s Health Month and it is a good time to make your health a priority. There are several steps you can take to improve your health.
Prevention: Protect your health by getting the care you need to prevent diseases, disabilities, and injuries. Regular check-ups are important. Preventive care can keep diseases away or detect problems early, when treatment is more effective. Get Moving: Get out and about and enjoy the spring and summer weather. Physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It has many benefits including lowering your risk for heart disease which is the leading cause of death among women. Enjoy Healthy Foods: Nutrition is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. A healthy eating plan includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat milk, other dairy products, and lean meats. This plan will be low in salt, saturated and trans fats, and added sugars. Practice Healthy Behaviors: Wear sunscreen, take steps to keep your skin beautiful, and stay smoke-free.
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Sleep Well: Adults need seven to eight hours of sleep everyday. Toss out the Tobacco: Tobacco use can lead to nicotine dependence and serious health problems. For help quitting call 1-866-NYQUITS (1-866-697-8487). TTY Call Relay Service 7. Move more: Adults need 2 to 2.5 hours of exercise a week. You do not have to do it all at once. Spread the activity throughout the week and speak to your doctor if you need ideas. Eat healthy: A diet filled with different fruits and vegetables and low in calories, fat, and salt is best. Need ideas on what to have for dinner? Check out our quarterly recipe in our member newsletter.
Healthy Living tips provided by AlphaCare. For more on AlphaCare visit AlphaCare.com
Things to Do
Brooklyn FEATURED
Senior Centers Abe Stark Neighborhood Active Adults Senior Center 10315 Farragut Rd Brooklyn, NY 11236 (718)272-9515
JASA H.E.S. Senior Center 9502 Seaview Ave Brooklyn, NY 11236 (718)251-3700
Millennium Development’s Penn Wortman Senior Center 895 Pennsylvania Ave Brooklyn, NY 11207 (718)649-1371
Vandalia Center 47 Vandalia Ave Brooklyn, NY 11239 (718)272-3949
Independence Neighborhood Senior Center 114 Taylor St Brooklyn, NY 11239 (718)322-9242
Tilden Center 630 Mother Gaston Blvd Brooklyn, NY 11212 (718)498-2990
McCarren Park Greenmarket North 12th St & Union Ave Saturdays 8:00 am - 3:00 pm Accepts: EBT/ Food Stamps, WIC Vegetable and Fruit checks, and FMNP coupons
Bartel-Pritchard Square Wednesday Greenmarket Prospect Park West at 15th St inside the entrance of park Wednesdays and Sundays 8:00 am - 3:00 pm Accepts: EBT/Food Stamps, WIC and FMNP coupons
Farmers’ Markets Fort Greene Park Greenmarket Washington Park btwn DeKalb & Willoughby Saturdays 8:00 am - 3:00 pm Accepts: EBT/ Food Stamps, WIC Vegetable and Fruit checks, and FMNP coupons
8th Annual Health Fair & Family Day Saturday, May 6th 11:00 am – 3:00 pm CPC Brooklyn Community Services Sunset Park Recreation Center 7th Ave & 43rd St Brooklyn, NY 11220 Healthy Living Expo (H.E.S.) Sunday, May 7th 11:00 am – 3:30 pm 9502 Seaview Ave Brooklyn, NY 11236 Wellness & Resource Fair Thursday, May 18th 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration (Under Tent) 1368 Fulton St Brooklyn, NY 11216 Wellness & Resource Fair Thursday, June 22nd 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Brooklyn Sports Club 1540 Van Siclen Ave Brooklyn, NY 11239 nyforseniors.com | 19
Things to Do
Queens FEATURED Health & Wellness Fair IPRHE Friday, April 21st 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Corona Senior Center 108-74 Roosevelt Ave Corona, NY 11368
Senior Centers Friendly Connections Senior Center 60-87 Myrtle Ave Queens, NY 11385 (718)875-1011
Allen Community Senior Center 166-01 Linden Blvd Queens, NY 11433 (718)657-1803
Corona Senior Center IPRHE 108-74 Roosevelt Ave Corona, NY 11368 (718)639-2000
Queensbridge North 10-25 41st Ave Queens, NY 11101 (718)784-7447 ext. 135
Astoria Senior Center 4-05 Astoria Blvd Queens, NY 11102 (718)721-2976
Woodside Senior Center 50-37 Newtown Rd Queens, NY 11377 (718)932-6916
Jackson Heights Greenmarket 34th Ave at 78th St Sundays 8:00 am - 2:00 pm Accepts: EBT/ Food Stamps, WIC Vegetable and Fruit checks, and FMNP coupons
Forest Hills Greenmarket South side of Queens Blvd at 70th Ave Sundays 8:00 am - 2:00 pm Accepts: EBT/ Food Stamps, WIC Vegetable and Fruit checks, and FMNP coupons
Farmers’ Markets Sunnyside Greenmarket Skillman Ave btwn 42nd & 43rd St Saturdays 8:00 am - 2:00 pm Accepts: EBT/ Food Stamps, WIC Vegetable and Fruit checks, and FMNP coupons
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Celebration of Life: Poetry, Dance, and all that Jazz! Saturday, April 22nd 3:00 pm - 4:15 pm Queens Library (Laurelton) 134-26 225 St Laurelton, NY 11413 Celebrate Cinco de Mayo Monday, May 8th 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Queens Library (Ridgewood) 20-12 Madison St Ridgewood, NY 11385
Mother’s Day Celebration IPRHE Thursday, May 11th 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Corona Senior Center 108-74 Roosevelt Ave Corona, NY 11368
Things to Do
Bronx FEATURED Earth Day “Health Fair” Friday, April 21st 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Harmony Court 1305 Morris Ave Bronx, NY 10456
Senior SeniorCenters Centers Arturo Schomburg 1315 Franklin Ave Bronx, NY 10456 (718)842-6880
R.A.I.N Eastchester Senior Center 1246 Burke St Bronx, NY 10469 (718)882-8513
Castle Hill Senior Center 625 Castle Hill Ave Bronx, NY 10473 (718)824-8910
JASA Einstein Center 135 Einstein Loop Bronx, NY 10475 (718)320-2066
BronxWorks 80 E. 181st St Bronx, NY 10453 (718)933-5300
Mitchell Senior Center 188 Lincoln Ave Bronx, NY 10454 (718)665-2168
Hunts Point Market Monsignor Del Valle Park btwn E. 163rd and Hunts Point Ave Bronx, NY 10474 Wednesdays 8:00 am - 4:00 pm June 17th - Nov. 25th Accepts: EBT, WIC Senior FMNP and Health Bucks
South Bronx Farmers’ Market 138th St btwn Willis and Alexander Ave Bronx, NY 10454 Saturdays 10:00 am - 4:00 pm June 18th - Nov. 19th Accepts: SNAP/EBT WIC, FMNP checks and Health Bucks
Farmers’ Markets Jacobi Hospital Market 1400 Pelham PKWY Bronx, NY 10461 Tuesdays, Fridays 8:00 am - 4:00 pm May 8th - Nov. 24th Accepts: EBT, WIC Senior FMNP, and Health Bucks
Mother’s Day Celebration Friday, May 12th 11:00 am – 3:00 pm R.A.I.N – Eastchester Senior Center 1246 Burke St Bronx, NY 10469 The Annual Co-op City Community Fair & Caribbean Heritage Month Celebration Saturday, June 3rd 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm Section #1 Greenway 140 Benchley Place Bronx, NY 10475 25th Annual Resource Fair Friday, June 9th 8:30 am – 2:00 pm P.S. 33 2424 Jerome Ave Bronx, NY 10468
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Things to Do
Manhattan FEATURED Rewind: Best of Film Series Wednesday, April 19th 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture 515 Malcolm X Boulevard New York, NY 10037
SeniorCenters Centers Senior Central Harlem Senior Center 34 W. 134th St New York, NY 10037 (212)926-4871
Schomburg Plaza Senior Citizens Center 1309 5th Ave New York, NY 10029 (212)369-9390
Jefferson Senior Center 2205 1st Ave New York, NY 10029 (212)828-6098
St. Nicholas Senior Center 210 W. 131st St New York, NY 10027 (212)665-3279
Rangel Senior Center 159-36 Harlem River Drive New York, NY 10039 (212)234-6140
Gompers Senior Center 80 Pitt St New York, NY 10002 (646)201-4251
Dag Hammarskjold Plaza Greenmarket Hudson St and West 12th St Saturdays 8:00 am - 2:00 pm Accepts: EBT/ Food Stamps, WIC Vegetable and Fruit checks, and FMNP coupons
Union Square Greenmarket Broadway To 4 Ave, E. 14th St To E.17th St North and West sides of Union Square Park Mondays, Wednesdays Fridays and Saturdays 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Accepts: EBT/Food Stamps, WIC, Senior FMNP coupons
Farmers’ Markets Inwood Greenmarket Isham St btwn Seaman Ave and Cooper St Saturdays 8:00 am - 3:00 pm Accepts: EBT/ Food Stamps, WIC Vegetable and Fruit checks, and FMNP coupons 22 | nyforseniors.com
Harlem School of the Arts Music Department presents ELLA 100: An Evening of Ella Fitzgerald Saturday, April 22nd 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Harlem School of the Arts 645 Saint Nicholas Ave New York, NY 10030 Wellness Day 2017 - NY Wednesday, May 31st 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Presbyterian/Lower Manhattan CCBA 62 Mott St New York, NY 10013 Famous Food Festival: “Taste the World” Sunday, June 25th 10:00 am - 5:30 pm Grand Bazaar NYC 100 W. 77th St (at Columbus) New York, NY 10024
Senior Center Bill of Rights
By Nikkia Rivera No matter which senior center you attend, every center in New York must follow a certain set of rules and requirements known as the senior center Bill of Rights. These rules are: 1) Anyone who fits the requirements of the senior center can join and participate in the center. 2) Any senior citizen who qualifies to be a member cannot be refused membership or program/activity participation, so long as the center has the space and can afford it.
6) Each member’s personal information (address, phone number, etc.) is private and cannot be distributed or disclosed. The only exception to this is the center’s funding source, with which information can legally be shared. 7) Every member can submit complaints to the senior center about the senior center or center-related issues without fear of penalty or punishment. Complaints can be issued to the center staff, board of directors, executive committees and elected and government officials. 8) All centers that provide regular meals must ensure that the meals are nutritious and well-balanced. 9) All seniors must be offered meals, even if they do not regularly partake in the meal program.
10) All centers must have a senior advisory council composed of seniors who are members of the center 3) No member can be that aid in communicating discriminated against for their senior needs to the center’s race, religion, gender, disability, management. age, sexuality, citizenship status, etc. Everyone must be 11) All attendees have the treated equally with respect right and opportunity to and courtesy. make anonymous financial 5) Every member has the right to know which centers are handicap accessible.
contributions to the center, but cannot be harassed into giving any money.
Amazing Uses For Baking Soda Hair Brushes and Combs. To get any excess oil or build-up off brushes and combs, soak in a mixture of one cup of water and one tsp of baking soda until clean. Afterwards, rinse and dry. Microwaves. Sprinkle baking soda onto a clean, damp sponge before rubbing down the inside of your microwave. Shower Curtains. Sprinkle baking soda onto a damp sponge and scrub any dirty or smelly parts of the curtain. Rinse and hang to dry. Works best with vinyl curtains. Carpet. Sprinkle baking soda onto a stenchy carpet overnight. Vacuum in the morning to get rid of any mess. Hands. To remove strong smells like garlic, exfoliate your hands in a mixture of baking soda and water. Scrub until smell disappears and rinse off with water. Bath. Mix in a quarter to half a cup of baking soda into your bath. Baking soda is good for calming irritated skin, especially itchy, dry, sunburnt, and rashy ailments. It’s also great for achy muscles. Feel free to mix it in with your choice of epsom salts, essential oils or other bath products.
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