January 1, 2025 Lindenhurst North by Long Island Media Group

State Funding Keeps Adventureland Spinning Forward

New York State will help Adventureland remain a Fireball, as “Long Island’s Amusement Park since 1962” is set to receive $205,600 in funding for its five-year improvement project, Sen. Monica R. Martinez announced. The $10 million to $15 million modernization plan will introduce several new attractions to the park while retiring some long-time favorites. But don’t expect too much Turbulence from those closures. In their place will be the new thrill ride, Top Spin; a Miniature Pirate Ship; a refurbished Viking Voyage; and the installation of a water main that will support additional attractions, all made possible in part by this grant.

Funding is being provided through a Market New York grant, a program that supports regionally themed marketing projects that promote tourism

destinations, attractions and special events, as well as tourism facility capital improvement projects.

“Adventureland not only holds fond memories for nearly every Long Island child and family, but it also holds an important place in our regional economy,” said Sen. Martinez. “It employs over 650 local workers who

keep the Train, and other rides, moving throughout the park’s operating season. Supporting Adventureland’s improvement is good for patrons, impactful for our community, and beneficial for New York State.”

The upgrades are expected to be Musik to the ears of visitors to the adventure park, which has operated

rides, games, and attractions for children and adults of all ages on its East Farmingdale campus for more than 60 years. The multi-phased redevelopment project began earlier this year and is expected to continue until 2028, with park employment projected to increase by 10% upon completion.

Splish Splash Water Park Announces

All - New Splash - Tastic Water Playground

From soak to spray there’s water every which way beginning next summer at Splish Splash Water Park, as the park debuts an all-new water playground. Set to open for visitors in summer 2025, the new kids’ zone will welcome the tiniest of tots as the water park celebrates its 35th summer season.

Opening in 2025 at New York’s Largest Water Park, the new kid-friendly zone will offer families more than 15 fun and silly ways to stay cool during their visit to Splish Splash. The all-new water playground will be decked out with three-pint sized water

slides, six interactive spray features, five water play features, a dump bucket and fun for all to soak and spray.

“At Splish Splash, we want to make sure we are offering a variety of attractions fit for guests of all ages,” said General Manager Mike Bengtson.

“This all-new water playground will offer our smallest guests pint-sized thrills during their visit with more than 15 exciting features. We can’t wait to welcome families back to the park for a splash-tastic summer.”

In addition to the new water playground, Splish Splash has a little

something for everyone including more than 30 thrilling attractions like the new light and sound experience, Hyperlight, the iconic Ailen Invasion water slide and the beloved Bootlegger’s Run water coaster. Plus, next summer visitors can once again expect to enjoy a full lineup of events including Father’s Day Flop, Shark in the Park, Hero Appreciation week, Toucha-Truck Day and more.

For more details on Splish Splash’s 2025 Season, all-new water playground, Black Friday Sale and more, visit splishsplash.com.

Did You Know?

Volunteering is a great way for individuals to strengthen their communities, but it also can be a unique way for individuals to improve their own overall happiness. A recent study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies examined 70,000 participants, each of whom received surveys that asked questions regarding their volunteering habits and mental health. The study found that, when compared to those who did not volunteer, people who had volunteered in the previous 12 months were more satisfied with their lives and gave their overall health higher ratings.

EXOTIC WAREHOUSE

7 Ways To Organize And Store Holiday Decorations

Decorating a home for the holidays is quite popular. A survey from the National Retail Federation found that 53 percent of respondents said they were planning to decorate their home or yard.

Lombardo Homes polled 1,000 Americans and 94 percent said they celebrate Christmas in at least some way, and 84 percent said they decorate. With so many avid holiday decorators, individuals will need to find ways to organize and store their seasonal items.

Holiday decor comes in many different sizes — from the smallest tree ornaments to illuminated statues for the yard or inflatable items. Figuring out a storage plan can take a little effort. These seven tips can help.

1. Purchase clear, similarly sized storage bins and shelving racks, hanging them where you plan to keep the decorations. Most people prefer an out-of-the-way spot, such as in the garage, attic or

basement. Label each bin by holiday and put the bins in chronological order to make finding items more convenient. Uniform bin sizes make it easier to stack and store.

2. Store smaller items inside larger decor items. Decorative baskets or wrapped boxes brought out for Christmas or Chanukah are ideal places to keep smaller tchotchkes like ceramics, dreidels, candlestick holders, or mantel hooks. Delicate items can be tucked into Christmas stockings or wrapped and stored in a fluffy tree skirt.

3. Label everything so you will not need to dig through boxes or bins to know what is inside. This might be a good year to ask for a label maker for the holidays!

4. Use overhead or wall storage for holiday decor. Overhead spaces in the garage or basement walls can be good spaces to

keep holiday decorations. Always keep bins and boxes off the floor so they are not vulnerable to damage related to leaks or floods.

5. Garment bags can protect larger decorations, such as wreaths, artificial trees or signs. If you have a large number of mechanical, illuminated or inflatable lawn ornaments, consider investing in a small shed where these items can be safely kept. Wrap the extension cords and any bracing stakes or strings used with the decorations so it’s easy to find.

6. Utilize pieces of cardboard as well as toilet paper or paper towel tubes to keep lights and wires tidy. Tuck cords into the toilet paper tubes, and wrap lights around the cardboard to avoid tangles.

7. Each year, take inventory of your decoration collection and toss out anything that is damaged or has seen better days.

JANUARY HAPPENINGS

THRU THURS. JAN. 2nd

10:00AM-3:00PM

CHRISTMAS HOUSE

LONG ISLAND

If you are looking for an exciting and fun, indoor family holiday attraction, Christmas House Long Island is now open daily at the Broadway Commons, 358 N. Broadway in Hicksville. This unique 45+ minute walk-through features interactive and imaginative experiences that will delight people of all ages! For more information, please call 516-878-0273

THRU SAT. JAN. 4th

12:00 PM 1:30 PM

MAGIC OF LIGHTS

Jones Beach State Park. 1 Ocean Parkway in Wantagh. Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience, which features holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience this all from the comfort of your own car! One carload, one price. For dates, times, and ticket availability, visit magicoﬂights.com.

SAT. JAN. 4th

12:00PM-1:30PM

FOREST BATHING WALK

Start the new year with a Forest Bathing Walk with one of Sweetbriar’s nature educators and forest therapy guide, Linda Lombardo. Forest Therapy is a research-based framework for supporting healing and wellness through immersion in a forest or other natural environment. Sweetbriar Nature Center - ECSS 62 Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown.

HOLIDAYS

1st - New Years Day

20th - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

MAKE A SUBMISSION!

Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run free of charge on a space available basis. For more info, call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com

For more information, please call 631-979-6344

MON. JAN. 6th

7:30PM

BABYLON CHORALE AUDITIONS

The Babylon Chorale will hold auditions at Sisters of St. Joseph Brentwood Campus. All voice parts are welcomed. For further information, visit www.babylonchorale.org or email info@babylonchorale.org

THURS. JAN. 9th

7:00PM LINDENHURST EVENING HOMEMAKERS GROUP

Join Lindenhurst Evening Homemakers Group at the North Amityville Senior Center 48 Cedar Rd., in Amityville (off of New Hwy.) Open to all, 18 years old & up. Meetings start at 7pm & new members should arrive 15 min. early. Contact Lisa LeBrie at 516-413-7467 for more info.

SAT. JAN. 11th

8:45AM-10:30AM

POLAR PLUNGEFreezin for a Reason

Get ready to take the plunge for an amazing cause! Join us for the Town of Huntington 2025 Polar Plunge and show your support for the incredible athletes of the Special Olympics! Location: Crab Meadow Beach in Northport. This event is about more than just a chilly dip, it’s about coming together as a community to celebrate and empower these remarkable athletes. Let’s make a difference together. For more details and to register, visit: www.polarplungeny.org/ Huntington

GENESIS FUEL OIL

SUN. JAN. 12th

11:00AM-2:00PM

2025 NYS PARKS

WINTER RUN SERIES

at Heckscher State Park, East IslipField #2. Absolutely No: Baby Joggers, Rollerbladers, Skaters, Bikers or Pets Are Permitted! For more information, please call Brendan Dagan 516-531-3323

SAT. JAN. 18th

4:00PM-7:00PM

FAMILY GAME NIGHT

Farmingdale United Methodist Church, 407 Main Street in Farmingdale, invites the community to their Family Game Night. Come have fun with Duck Races, Cornhole Games, Board Games, Life-Size Jenga, Connect Four, food and much more! Please RSVP to ofﬁce@armingdaleumc.org.

SAT. JAN. 25th

8:45AM-12:00PM

8:45AM 5K Start

9:00AM Half Marathon & Marathon Start

ICEBREAKER MARATHON, HALF MARATHON & 5K

at Eisenhower Park Field 2 Rain or Shine. Certiﬁed course and a Boston Qualiﬁer! The course is a looped course and great for spectating. The course is fully stocked with water and nutrition stops. The course is on park paths and fully closed roads. For more information, please call Brendan Dagan 516-531-3323

CLUES ACROSS

1. Americans’ “uncle”

4. Chair

8. Ancient kingdom

10. Egyptian city

11. Alaskan glacier

12. One from Somalia

13. Ancient alphabets

15. Relating to vocabulary

16. Small mongrels

CLUES DOWN

1. Counterbalancing debt

2. In slow tempo

3. Glamorous city

4. Japanese lute

5. Makes law

6. Informative book

7. Animal’s body part

9. American playwright

10. Blood poisoning

17. Natural settings

18. Weekend entertainments

21. Line from which light seemingly streams

22. Your own private code

23. Swiss river

24. Satisfaction

25. A person’s brother or sister

26. Folk singer DiFranco

27. The Blonde Bombshell

34. Kids’ school project

12. Angels

14. Sino-Soviet block (abbr.)

15. Written account

17. Unwelcome pest

19. Saddle horses

20. Type of gibbon

23. Delta is one

24. NE Massachusetts cape

25. Soup cracker

26. Yes vote

35. Bluish greens

36. Classifying

37. Cube-shaped

38. Choo-choos

39. Indian religious god of dissolution

40. French department

41. Leak into gradually

42. Foundation

43. Midway between south and southeast

27. Muddy ground

28. Physics apparatus (abbr.)

29. Type of drug

30. German city

31. Animal disease

32. Martini ingredients

33. Get away

34. Spanish municipality

36. Thrust a knife into

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is pleased to announce the following dashboard permits are available for purchase now through March 31, 2025, for the upcoming 2025 season: Fishing 4-Wheel Drive Access Permit, Surfing 4-Wheel Drive Access Permit, Stargazing, Night/ Sport Fishing, Camp Hero Fishing, Nighttime Photography, and Regional SCUBA-Diving. Permits can only be purchased online, there will be no in-person sales. All permits will be mailed to the applicant once processed.

Purchase online through New York State Parks Reserve America: visit the New York State Parks Reserve America website. A valid email, and credit card is required for payment. Orders will be processed in the order received and permit(s) will be mailed to the applicant once processed. Please allow 10 – 14 business days for your permit(s) to arrive in the mail.

Details on each permit is as follows:

FISHING 4-WHEEL DRIVE ACCESS PERMIT

– available for purchase now through March 31, and the Tuesday after Labor Day through December 31, 2025.

Fee: $80.00 in state, $125.00-Out of State Requirements: Valid vehicle registration, driver’s license, and valid NYS DEC Recreational Saltwater/ Marine Fishing ID #

Permit is ONLY valid for FISHING at:

• Hither Hills (Year-round)

• Montauk Point (Yearround)

• Napeague (Year-round)

• Robert Moses (Democrat Point, Gilgo and Sore Thumb) - April 1December 31, hours vary This permit also allows the permissions of the NIGHT/SPORT FISHING PERMIT

SURFING/WINDSURFING

4-WHEEL DRIVE ACCESS

PERMIT - available for purchase now through March 31, and the Tuesday after Labor Day through December 31, 2025.

Fee: $80.00 in state, $125.00-Out of State Requirements: Valid vehicle registration and driver’s license. Must be 18 years of age or older to purchase.

Permit is ONLY valid for

Long Island State Park Dashboard Permits For 2025 Season

DAYTIME SURFING and WINDSURFING at:

• Hither Hills and Napeague (Year-round)

• Montauk Point – January 1 – March 31 only

• Robert Moses (Democrat Point and Gilgo) – January 1 - December 31, hours vary & Fields 3 & 4 from September 15-December 31

STARGAZING PERMITavailable for purchase now through March 31, and the Tuesday after Labor Day through December 31, 2025. Fee: $35.00 in state, $60.00Out of State Requirements: Valid vehicle registration and driver’s license Permit allows after sunset parking for STARGAZING ONLY, valid January 1 - December 31 at:

• Hither Hills - Except July & August

• Jones Beach - West End 2 and Field 6

• Montauk Point – Upper Parking Lot

• Robert Moses - Field 2

• Sunken Meadow - Field 1 & Field 3

• Wildwood – Main Parking Lot

NIGHT/SPORT FISHING PERMIT – available for purchase now through March 31, and the Tuesday after Labor Day through December 31, 2025. Fee: $35.00 in state, $60.00Out of State Requirements: Valid vehicle registration,

driver’s license, NYS DEC Recreational Saltwater/ Marine Fishing ID # Permit is valid ONLY for FISHING after sunset from April 1-December 31, except where noted:

• Captree - Main field, Overlook, Launch Parking Field (September 15 to December 31 only) and Captree Drawbridge (north side only – 24 hr. access)

• Hallock - Main Field, Main Beach, Sunset to 7am access

• Hither Hills - Except Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day

• Jones Beach - Fields 6, 10, West End 2, West End Boat Basin, West End Dock Area (24 hr. access) & Green Island (24 hr. access)

• Montauk Point - Lower Parking Lot ONLY

• Orient Beach – Main Field

• Robert Moses - Field 2 April 1 to December 31 (24 hr. access), Field 3 September 15 to December 31 (24 hr. access), Field 4 April 1 to June 23 (7pm-7am) and September 15 to December 31 (24 hr. access)

• Sunken Meadow - Field 1 and Field 3 (24 hr. access)

• Wildwood – Main Field

CAMP HERO FISHING PERMIT - available for purchase now through

March 31, and the Tuesday after Labor Day through December 31, 2025. Fee: $40.00 in state, $75.00-Out of State. Requirements: Valid vehicle registration, driver’s license, NYS DEC Recreational Saltwater/ Marine Fishing ID #. Permit is ONLY valid for FISHING after sunset at:

• Camp Hero State Park, April 1 - December 31

NIGHTTIME PHOTOGRAPHY PERMITavailable for purchase now through March 31, and the Tuesday after Labor Day through December 31, 2025.

Fees: $35.00 in state, $60.00-Out of State Requirements: Vehicle Registration and Driver’s License. Permit allows after sunset parking for the purpose of NIGHTTIME

PHOTOGRAPHY ONLY, valid January 1 - December 31 at:

• Hither Hills - Except July & August

• Jones Beach - West End 2 and Field 6

• Montauk Point – Upper Parking Lot

• Robert Moses - Field 2

• Sunken Meadow - Field 1 & Field 3

• Wildwood – Main Parking Lot

REGIONAL SCUBADIVING PERMIT - Sold

year-round. Permit is valid April 1 to December 31, 2025, hours vary. Fee: $80.00 in state, $125.00Out of State. Requirements: Vehicle Registration and Divers Certification card. Valid for SCUBA-DIVING only:

• Caumsett – Fisherman’s parking lot only – 24 hr. access

• Jones Beach - East End of Field 10 only, 24 hr. access

• Orient Beach – 8am to sunset

• Robert Moses – *Democrat Point (four-wheel drive needed to access this area; hours vary) For more detailed information on Dashboard Permits, please review our Long Island Permit Guide. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 84 million visits in 2023. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and the OPRHP Blog.

Photos courtesy of NY State Parks

Meet Jaden Harvey!

Meet Jaden Harvey! Born July 12, 2007: Jaden Harvey is currently ranked #2 in the USA at the 165-pound limit, thanks to his silver medal performance at the USA National Championships held in Richmond, VA from December 14 to 21 of this year. Jaden has also earned the role as an alternate for

the USA National Youth Team. His immediate goal is to gain the #1 ranking, which would qualify him to compete at the World Championships being held this September in Germany. Not only is he a disciplined fighter, he is also a thriving senior at Lindenhurst High School (NY). Jaden has a

solid foundation in the sport (his dad/trainer was also an accomplished amateur boxer). We look forward to Jaden continuing his impressive growth as both a fighter and as a young man...making his mark on the sport of boxing for years to come.

What Is The 50-30-20 Approach?

Effective financial strategies vary depending on which stage of life a person is in. For example, a recent college graduate working his or her first professional job will not have the same financial strategy as someone on the cusp of retirement. But one financial strategy that people of all ages can look to for guidance is the 50-30-20 approach. Popularized by United States Senator Elizabeth Warren, the 50-30-20 approach to financial planning can be a valuable resource for anyone trying to develop a budget. The approach is simple yet effective. Under the 5030-20 approach, income is allocated based on this breakdown:

· 50 percent of money is spent on needs, including housing costs, health insurance, car payments, and groceries

· 30 percent of money is spent on wants, including hobbies, dining out and travel

· 20 percent of money is allocated to savings

Proponents of the 5030-20 approach note that calculations should be based on after-tax income, or what’s often referred to as “take-home pay.”

Professionals with steady paychecks can easily determine their 50-3020 breakdowns by saving a month’s worth of pay stubs and establishing their monthly budget based on what’s coming in. The task can be trickier for self-employed or freelance workers, who may benefit from working with financial planners as they seek to create monthly budgets based on the 50-30-20 approach.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held on the 4th day of February, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as can be heard, at Lindenhurst Village Hall, 430 South Wellwood Avenue, on the question of the enactment of Local Law #32025, amending the Code of the Village of Lindenhurst as follows:

LOCAL LAW #3-2025

Chapter 185, Vehicles and Traffic, Article V Miscellaneous Provisions

BE IT ENACTED by the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Lindenhurst as follows:

Chapter 185, Vehicles and Traffic, Article V Miscellaneous Provisions

DELETE:

§ 185-35 Penalties for offenses in its entirety.

ADD:

§ 185-35 Penalties for offenses

Every person convicted of a traffic infraction for a violation of any provision of this chapter

that is not a violation of any provision of the Vehicle and Traffic Law of the State of New York shall, for a first conviction thereof, be punished by a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $250, or by imprisonment for not more than 15 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment; for a second such conviction within 18 months thereafter, such person shall be punished by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500, or by imprisonment for not more than 45 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment; upon a third or subsequent conviction within 18 months after the first conviction, such

person shall be punished by a fine of not less than $250 nor more than $500, or by imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The following provisions shall, however, apply to persons convicted of: A. Parking meter violations: not less than $35, provided that the summons is answered within 30 days; $50 if answered 30 to 60 days from the date of issuance; and $75 for violations answered more than 60 days after the date of issuance. B. Handicapped parking and fire hydrants: not less than $100 nor more than $250. C. All other parking violations not otherwise

indicated: not less than $75, provided that the summons is answered within 30 days of the date of issuance; $125 if the summons is answered within 31 days to 60 days of the date of issuance; and $175 if the summons is answered 61 or more days after the date of issuance.

Validity.

If any section, sentence, clause, or phrase of this law is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, then said holding shall in no way affect the validity of the remaining portions of this law.

Effective Date.

This law shall become effective upon filing in the office of the Secretary of State.

Dated: December 24, 2024 Lindenhurst, NY 11757

Inc. Village of Lindenhurst Katie Schrader Village Clerk LV N & S 744 - 1/1/25

• Create and design marketing materials, including ﬂyers, and brochures

• Perform clerical tasks such as scanning, photocopying, ﬁling, and organizing documents

• Answer and direct phone calls in a polite and efficient manner

• Manage and maintain a clean and organized office environment

• Proofread documents for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors

• Manage office supplies

• Perform other duties as assigned

ST. CHARLES CEMETERY FARMINGDALE, NY Administrative Assistant Requirements

• Computer literacy with proﬁciency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)

• Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop

• Excellent customer service skills with the ability to handle inquiries and complaints professionally

• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively

• Accurate data entry skills with attention to detail

• Clerical experience in an office setting is preferred

• Phone etiquette skills to handle calls with professionalism and courtesy

The position offers an opportunity to work in a professional office environment with a supportive team. The successful candidate will have the chance to develop their administrative skills while providing excellent customer service.

Monday - Friday, 35 hour work week, from 9am-5pm Half day (over time pay), 9am-1pm, every other Saturday.

THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experi enced Sa les Representatives will assist you. We c an help you with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, Ext. 276

THE power of CLASSIFIED!

GUTTERS

Expert Handym an & Power Washing Services

Avail abl e. Reasonable, Reliable & Ready! Mention This Ad! FREE ESTIMAT ES ALWAYS!! Licensed & Insured. Owner On Ever y Job TRIPLE R GU TTERS Call Tony 516-799-4306

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Landscaping COMPLETE LANDSCAPING & TREE SERVIC ES

Fall Clean-ups, New Lawn In stallation

Sod, Top Soil , Seed Mulch, Aeration Fall Flower Bed, Tree / Shrub Plan ting, Pruning & Trimming Complete Tree Service Any Style Fence Installation /Repair Driveways, Pati os, Pavers, Cobblestone Retaining Wa lls Power Washing (Cedar Houses, Siding, Decks, PVC Fences) LG Guevara

Landscaping & Tree Service

licensed/insured Call Leno 631 365 5853

TO ADVERTI SE YOUR BUSINES S? Call Classified and one of our experienced sales representatives will help you. BIG BUDGET? SM ALL BUDGET? 631-226-2636, press 276

BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, ext. 276

Though people attempting to lose weight may love a quick fix or magic pill that could shed excess pounds, successful efforts that produce longterm weight loss generally take considerable time and effort. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people who lose weight at a gradual, steady pace tend to keep the weight off. The CDC advises individuals to aspire to lose one to two pounds each week

Working in concert with a doctor or a registered dietician is one of the ways to ensure that the weight loss experience is successful and healthy. In addition to following the advice of a professional, these tips can help.

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Call today! 631- 357- 4621 516- 361- 4128

LINDENHURST APT FOR RENT

King Size Bedroom , Living Room , Eat in

SELLING? RENTING? Place your ad in the Classifieds 631-226-2636 Ext. 276

• Total New Roofs, •Gutters Cleane d, Renewed & Repaire d •Complete Baseme nt Waterproofing No Job Too Smal l Discounts for Senior s, Military & First Responders Free Estimates

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A Healthy Approach To Weight Loss

• Think of it as a lifestyle change. Managing weight is a lifelong commitment. That means that following a short-term diet may not prove a successful way to lose weight and keep it off in the long run. It’s important to put strategies in place that will help change habits that may be contributing to weight gain.

• Set short-term goals. Certainly the overall goal may be to lose a set number of pounds. But having that goal in the distance may make it seem less achievable. Rather, set small goals throughout a weight loss journey. This can be something like a plan to replace sugary

drinks with water, or to exercise three days a week instead of being sedentary most of the time.

• Be sure the time is right. Some people jump in at the start of the new year, even if they are not mentally ready to commit or lack the time to make the overhaul necessary to affect change. Begin a weight-loss journey when you have a strong desire to change habits and are not distracted by other pressures.

• Tame stress as much as possible. High levels of stress can derail weightloss plans. Many people turn to foods, beverages and other unhealthy habits as a means to coping with stress. The

Cleveland Clinic says stress raises cortisol levels, which increases insulin production. The resulting low blood sugar makes people crave sugary, fatty foods. The Mayo Clinic suggests speaking with a health care professional if you need help taking charge of stress.

• Change your perceptions. Focus on what you can eat rather than what you can’t eat. Healthy weight loss means finding balance and enjoying the foods you love, but not going overboard. Restricting any one food or food group could lead you on a path to feeling resentful or even binging on unhealthy items.

• Don’t skip meals.

Seriously restricting food intake is not healthy at all and could lead to fluctuations in weight. An eating pattern that includes a cycle of weight loss and weight gain can contribute to an increased risk of coronary heart disease, says Better

Health, a resource of the Australian Department of Health. Plan meals to meet your daily calorie count, being sure to avoid skipping any during the day.

Healthy weight loss takes time and requires changing habits over the long haul.