Brain Health Should Be A Priority
To the Editor:
June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month — a reminder that brain health should be a priority for every family. Bill Ritter of ABC spoke courageously about his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and he is not alone in this journey.
Pictured Above: At the North Fork Walk to End Alzheimer’s
This is extremely relevant to me because I am also living with Alzheimer’s. I now struggle with activities that used to come easily to me, such as tying my own tie, managing finances, and using my phone or computer, and I worry about becoming a burden to my wife. Alzheimer’s attacks the very essence of who you are, changing all you strived to become.
I’ve learned this is NOT only an “old person’s disease” that many people think won’t affect them! It also impacts hundreds of thousands of people in their 50’s and 60’s.
The Alzheimer’s Association emphasizes it’s never too early — or too late — to take steps to protect brain health. Everyday habits like staying physically active, eating well and challenging your mind, as well as managing blood pressure and diabetes, may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. While most Americans say brain health matters, few know what actions to take.
This month, I encourage everyone to take action — whether that’s adopting healthier habits, talking with a doctor, or getting involved with the Alzheimer’s Association locally.
Learn more at alz.org/ABAM or call their free 24/7 HelpLine at 800.272.3900.
John Chandler
Southold
Advocating For Federal Support for Alzheimer’s
To the Editor:
I would like to thank Congressman Nick LaLota for co-sponsoring the Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention Act (ASAP) and Accelerating Access to Dementia and Alzheimer’s Provider Training Act (ADDAPT). ASAP will create a pathway for Medicare coverage of blood-based Alzheimer’s screening tests and ADDAPT will improve primary care physicians’ ability to correctly diagnose and treat the disease.
Now, the constituents are asking for a sustained federal investment in dementia infrastructure, which will accelerate innovation, leading to new and better treatments and means of prevention. By supporting an additional $187.210 million in FY27 for Alzheimer’s and dementia research activities at the National Institutes of Health and $41.5 million for implementation of the BOLD infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Congress can ensure that progress continues toward treating Alzheimer’s and ultimately a cure.
There are over 7 million Americans in the United States that are afflicted with Alzheimer’s and dementia. They and their caregivers are asking for increased funding, which can eventually end Alzheimer’s and other debilitating dementia disorders.
Sincerely,
Ira Kleiner
Middle Island
Fortunate Dems
To the Editor:
NY’s Congressional District 1 needs a better representative than Nick LaLota. He is not only unwilling to interact with voters, but also accepts the Trump Regime’s corruption, racism, and misogyny. That is a good reason for Democrats to be optimistic about the Mid-Term votes, but more good fortune is now arising for them.
Either of Dems’ candidates in June’s Primary will oust Mr. LaLota in November’s Blue Wave. Whether Chris Gallant or Lukas Ventouras wins that vote, as Congressman either would serve Long Islanders better than LaLota has, or could ever. Both represent the Big Tent inclusiveness of Democrats by offering diverse remedies for socio-political issues.
Chris Gallant’s solid military and societal careers’ experience will appeal to voters who want to end the Regime’s blatant corruption, incompetence, and economic chaos. His extensive public service honed Gallant’s skills, and his focus on fixing problems. He is committed to more than a return to the once-familiar, accepted status quo of politics. Mr. Gallant prioritizes building up from that to create a Better Normality.
Lukas Ventouras offers a younger man’s enthusiasm for a Clean Sweep/Fresh Start. His well-expressed ideas call for rescinding laws that negate social evolution to rebuild how the government operates. In today’s divisive political turmoil, that appeal to voters who seek to end traditional government’s reliance on “old precedents” by electing politicians who will totally redesign Congress with assertive 21st century attitudes.
I respect both ways to oust Mr. LaLota, and will applaud whoever does it, but I offer this reason to support Chris Gallant: The real objective is to replace LaLota in a nation-wide rejection of Trump and his compliant crew. I believe Chris Gallant’s mature abilities and character will appeal to a wider array of voters than Lukas Ventouras can in pursuing the national objective. That said, I wish them both luck.
David Porteous
Mattituck
Democracy Has Responsibilities
To The Editor:
Bill Clinton, and others, have said, “Democracy is not a spectator sport.” Citizens have to participate in the process to restore their power and make Congress act on behalf of the people.
When people don’t communicate their preferences to Congress, a void is created and quickly filled by lobbyists, corporations, and special interests. They then control the narrative. Repetitive contact from the people will cause Congress to think that their constituents represent job security.
The lack of citizen participation in the democratic process is what enabled the dysfunction in Washington. We have the power, but we haven’t used it.
Sending a postcard or leaving a phone message is easy, quick, and safe. But once is not enough. If you feel strongly about something, be a nag so that they know you’re serious. Get informed, and then stay informed. Watch podcasts on YouTube; listen to NPR. If you prefer phone calls, call 202-224-3121 and you’ll be connected to your representative’s staff. If you go to 5calls.com, you will see a sample dialogue to use for each topic.
One vital issue is eliminating super PACs. The money in politics equals corruption. This must happen before
anything else.
Charles Gueli
Mattituck
Letters to the editor may be emailed to editor@eastendbeacon.com with “LTE” in the subject line, or sent via U.S. Post to P.O. Box 665, New Suffolk, NY 11956. Please include your name, and a telephone number for verification purposes, and don’t submit letters under false names. The Beacon will print all letters that are deemed to not be defamatory, obscene or advertisements, and may edit submissions for clarity and grammar. Due to space considerations we are only able to run one letter per writer per month in our print edition, and we may shorten lengthy letters in print to fit available space.
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