NJ Needs ‘Serious Conversation’ about Global Warming
To the Editor:
With the one-year anniversary of Super Storm Sandy right around the corner, it’s time for New Jersey to have a serious conversation about tackling global warming.
Environment New Jersey found that power plants remain the single largest source of global warming pollution. The five dirtiest power plants in New Jersey create nearly 65 percent of the state’s pollution, but only 35 percent of our energy.
New Jersey has traditionally been an environmental leader, but Gov. Christie’s removal of the state from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative – our best tool to combat carbon pollution from power plants – has moved New Jersey to the sidelines.
While in Washington, D.C., the majority of Congress also sits on the sidelines, I want to thank Congressman Frank Pallone (D-6th) for speaking out forcefully for federal action on tackling climate change. Thankfully, President Obama and his EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) have proposed a major new rule to curb carbon pollution spewing from new power plants.
Because of the inaction here in New Jersey and in Congress, it is critical the EPA moves forward to cut global warming pollution as quickly as possible.
Eric Bouchey
Environment New Jersey Campaign Coordinator
Trenton
Join the Nov. 3 Shoreline Heart Walk
To the Editor:
After a rough pregnancy, I gave birth to a healthy boy we named Ryan last year. I was 35 and ready to face the crazy world of newborns – baby giggles, late-night feedings and changing diapers. Instead I was battling for my life instead of learning the ropes of being a new mom.
I was diagnosed with peri-cardiomyopathy. Translation: my heart quit functioning. Everyday living became a challenge – from not being able to finish a conversation to struggling holding my 5-pound son. Breathing became increasingly difficult and walking outside was virtually impossible.
But today I’m doing better. I’ve changed my diet and activities so that my heart is functioning back to (almost) normal.
Fear is still a part of my life. I carry an emergency contact list in my wallet – just in case. But I’m living life to the fullest. The only reason I’m here is because of the dedication of my doctors and nurses, as well as the research led to the treatments that saved my life.
That’s why I’m supporting the American Heart Association at the Shoreline Heart Walk on Sunday, Nov. 3 at Monmouth Battlefield.
I hope our entire community supports this lifesaving mission by taking a heart healthy walk with me and Ryan, along with our entire family.
For more information on the Heart Walk, visit www.shorelineheartwalk.org or call the American Heart Association at 609-208-0020.
Tara Hertling
American Heart Association Survivor Ambassador
Morganville
Fall Fruits, Vegetables are Good for Your Health
To the Editor:
Although the season of barbecues and picnics is ending, the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, notes that autumn brings a variety of seasonal fruits and produce that are good for the heart and the brain.
Fall is the perfect time to incorporate vegetables and fruits into your diet, Options like apples, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, pears and kale are at their peak during this time of year and are full of nutrients that can help reduce your risk for stroke.
According to the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, fruits and vegetables with color contain vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals that have different disease-fighting elements. These compounds may be important in reducing the risk of many conditions, including stroke – our nation’s No. 4 leading cause of death and leading cause of long-term disability. The association recommends at least 4-to-5 servings per day of fruits and vegetables based on a 2,000-calorie diet as part of a healthy lifestyle that can lower your risk for this deadly disease.
Your goal should be to see a rainbow of color when you look at your plate. A diversity of color of healthy foods usually means a variety of health benefits that can lend itself to helping control weight, improve cholesterol and lower blood pressure.”
Seasonal produce is often more abundant and more affordable – helping to take a strain off your pocketbook as well. By taking advantage of the season’s harvest, you can help you and your family live healthier.
With nearly 78 million American adults obese and 1-in-3 children considered overweight or obese, it’s important to take control of your diet by making healthy choices. Obesity is a major – yet controllable – risk factor for stroke and heart disease. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean meats and fiber-rich grains can help ensure a healthy waistline.
Need recipe ideas? Check out www.stroke association.org to see what you could be making for tonight’s dinner!
Rick Weiss
Board of Directors member,
American Heart Association of New Jersey
Thank You from Mayor’s Wellness Campaign
To the Editor:
On Sept. 28, 2013 the Mayor’s Wellness Committee, together with Mayor Menna of Red Bank, conducted its second annual walk for health from Marine Park to Riverside Gardens. Halfway through the walk all walkers had dynamic movement and stretching at Riverside Park. Seventy-five residents and kids were stretching.
Parents and children walked to lead healthier and happy lives. In addition, many of the employees from the Borough of Red Bank marched in honor of its recently passed Chief of Police Stephen McCarthy. The walk commemorated the legacy of Chief McCarthy for his devotion and commitment to the welfare and protection of Red Bank’s residents.
Riverview Medical Center also brought a medical van for health-screening tests which residents were able to walk in and partake of those screenings. The Mayor’s Wellness Campaign is committed to the health of its residents and employees and reflected in its logo: Today, tomorrow, together.
None of this would be possible without the devotion and energy of the Mayor’s Wellness Committee members, Linda Ambis, Tim Hogan, Laura Ahern, Robin Krippa, Margaret Mass, Burnadett Marshall, the Rev. Terrence Porter, Jenny Rossano, Sandra Van Sant and Britt Forsgren and last but not least, the heart and soul of our committee, Doreen Hoffman.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our vendors who donated many items to make the walk a success; namely, Dean’s, Juanito’s, Basil’s, Visitor’s Center, River Center, YMCA, Meridian, the Monmouth County Regional Health Committee, Trattoria, Tommy’s Coal Fired, Dunkin Donuts and the Plant Café’ Organic. All of these supporters donated or allowed raffle items to be given away to our walkers, including two red bikes that were won by two of our youngest residents who are just learning to ride a bike.
Once again, thank you for all of the support and all of the participants for coming out and enjoying the beautiful day and making the day healthy, bright and memorable.
The Mayor’s Wellness Committee will be announcing other wellness ideas and ask everyone to keep their calendars free to better their lives in a healthy way.
Michael R. DuPont
Red Bank Councilman
Two River Moment
The Presbyterian Church at Shrewsbury, 352 Sycamore Ave., as it appeared in 1959 – without its steeple. According to the church website at www.tpcas.org, the corner- stone for the present building was laid in 1821 and the building was completed the
following year. The bell tower was added in the 1840s, the social room in 1895 and
the steeple in 1964.
