Here are three reasons for you and your family to go fishing for your next day trip:

1. It’s a fun way to spend time together.

Fishing is a fun activity that gets kids outdoors and engaged, and it’s easy for anyone to participate, regardless of their age. Fishing allows friends and families to enjoy a relaxing day together and helps keep their focus on each other, nature and the activity at hand. For kids interested in fishing on a regular basis, organized youth fishing programs are becoming increasingly popular nationwide.

Many people live near lakes or other bodies of water, allowing easy access to the sport. For others, water may be just a short drive away, making for a perfect one-day escape or weekend getaway.

2. Fishing isn’t complicated to learn and doesn’t require a ton of expensive equipment.

Whether you own or rent a boat, or fish from a dock or shoreline, learning the basics with an affordable rod and reel is something anyone can do. Also, there are plenty of lure options that make fishing a quick and fun pursuit for any skill level.

3. It’s good for you.

Spending time outdoors offers significant health benefits. One huge advantage of fishing together is that it allows families to get away from screens. Everyone can set their phones and gadgets aside to enjoy time in nature and relish each other’s company without distractions.

If a child is spending too much time with electronics, breaking up their routine with an outdoor activity like fishing can expose them to the benefits of in-person interaction, engaging with the real world and experiencing the beauty of nature.

Here are additional health benefits that come with fishing outdoors:

Vitamin D. Just 10-15 minutes of midday sun provides a healthy dose of vitamin D, which helps bodies absorb calcium. This boosts bone growth and health and fights disease. Vitamin D also elevates mood, helping with depression.

Relaxation. Being outdoors, breathing fresh air and spending time on a body of water relieves stress and lowers blood pressure. For people constantly on the go, it’s a great way to take a much-needed break.

Exercise. Walking and boating help burn calories and increase heart rate. And even though the participants may not notice, fishing helps stretch and flex some of the body’s underused muscles.

With its widespread accessibility, health benefits and ease of participation, fishing is a great way to get outside and enjoy the beautiful summer weather ahead. You just might catch some fish – and have a great time doing it.

Our country was truly UNITED on the days that followed as we searched for lost loved ones and began the arduous task of recovery and rebuilding. There are countless stories to tell and they should be told. One that stood out to me, a lifelong tree-hugger, was the story of  “The Survivor Tree”

A callery pear tree became known as the Survivor Tree after enduring the September 11, 2001, terror attacks at the World Trade Center. In October 2001, the tree was discovered at
Ground Zero, severely damaged, with snapped roots and burned and broken branches. The tree was removed from the rubble and placed in the care of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation.

After its recovery and rehabilitation, the tree was returned to the Memorial in 2010. New, smooth limbs extended from the gnarled stumps, creating a visible demarcation between the tree’s past and present. The tree stands as a living reminder of resilience, survival and rebirth.

The 9/11 Memorial began a tree seedling program on Sept. 11, 2013, in partnership with Stamford, Conn.-based Bartlett Tree Experts and John Bowne High School in the Flushing
neighborhood of Queens, N.Y. John Bowne High School cares for the seedlings as part of the school’s agriculture curriculum.

Seedlings have been shared with communities around the world that have endured tragedy. Recipient communities have committed to nurturing these trees to serve as landmarks symbolizing resiliency and hope.

In 2022, recipients included:
• Ukraine, to honor the thousands of Ukrainian casualties from the unprovoked war with Russia.
• Buffalo, New York, the site of a mass shooting, which killed 10 people and wounded three.
• The community of Miami-Dade County, Florida, the site of a residential condominium collapse, which killed 98 people in the small, beachside town of Surfside.

Past recipient communities include the WHO, Oslo and Utøya, Norway, Santa Fe, TX, the Bahamas, Christchurch, New Zealand, five NYC hospitals, Parkland, FL, London, U.K., Puerto Rico, Newtown, CT, Joplin, MO, Madrid, Spain, Far Rockaways in Queens, NY, Prescott, AZ and Boston, MA.

Learn more about the Survivor Tree and the seedling program here.

www.911memorial.org

Cover photo by Jin S. Lee

What is there to be learned 17 years after this tragic day?

I was a school principal on 9/11, in the small New Jersey community of Fair Haven, an hour south of Manhattan. As the shocking events of that day unfolded, there was no road map to guide me. I went from classroom to classroom to let teachers know what was happening and find out who might be worried about a family member or friend. Some of my words surely came out wrong.

I knew not to say, “I know how you feel,” because I clearly didn’t. One teacher’s husband was missing for hours. Two children had lost their fathers, their mothers lost husbands, and neighbors lost friends. Nothing in my life came close to that tragedy.

Sometimes words aren’t needed.

The moments following that day, when I didn’t say anything at all, are the ones that were my teacher. I had no words to stop the tears of a crying child as she felt the loss of her father, so I held her tightly on my lap as they flowed. When her mother cried, I placed my hand gently on her knee as if to say, “It’s O.K. to let it out. I’m here to hold your pain.”

Being with families who were dealing with such turmoil and loss left me wordless.  When the right words didn’t materialize, I saw that words were not the only thing that mattered.

My own smaller loss.

It could be that my own life situation made me more vulnerable and open during this time. Just a few months before 9/11, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. When I hung up the phone after hearing my doctor’s diagnosis, my husband held me on his lap while I cried. I can’t remember what he said, though I’m sure his words were comforting. What I remember most is his presence, the feeling of his arms holding me tightly, and the security it gave me that he would go through whatever was to come with me.

I don’t mean to minimize words. They matter very much too. On the phone with my doctor on that fateful day, I remember her words vividly. “You’re very lucky,” she said in a soft, caring voice. At the time, her words were incongruous. “How could I have cancer and be lucky?” I wondered. Her words stayed with me and their meaning became clear over time—I am lucky to have survived.

But, before 9/11 and my illness I hadn’t felt the power of presence in such a deeply moving way, leading me to this lesson:

In the years following loss, people remember that we were there, maybe even more than they remember what we might have said.

So, I’d say that while words are very important, the presence of someone who can hold our pain without trying to fix it can be even more profound and lasting. What would you say?

/https://www.lessstressbusiness.com/

To help you prepare and keep your pet safe this winter, here are three safety tips for pet parents:

1. Pet allergies need a quick response

Just like their pet parents, dogs and cats are prone to seasonal allergies. Data from last fall (Sept. – Nov. 2023) found atopy, commonly known as pet environmental allergies, was the most common pet insurance claim during this season – implying heightened veterinary visits and prescriptions needed.

Prevention is key. Look out for common, fast-emerging allergy symptoms such as sneezing, watery nose or eyes, skin irritation and inflammation. On the surface, these symptoms may not seem like a big deal. But when left untreated, they can easily lead to larger issues such as inflamed and irritated skin, hot spots (for dogs) or even hair loss and bleeding in more severe cases. If your dog or cat has allergies, try to identify allergy triggers and visit a veterinarian for proper treatment.

2. Dress for success

As the weather shifts to cooler temperatures and you start bringing out your sweaters, it’s a good time to take stock of what clothing your pet may also need. This is especially important if you live in a cold climate or your furry friend shivers outdoors. Check your local pet stores for jackets, rain jackets or sweaters for your dog or cat to wear to keep them warm during the colder months.

Halloween is also quickly approaching. When picking out your pet’s cute costume this year, make sure it’s also cozy and safe! Look for costumes and outfits that fit properly and don’t restrict their movement, hearing or breathing. Make sure to steer clear of dangling pieces or extra parts, which can pose a choking hazard or cause a throat blockage if ingested.

3. Prevent accidental escapes

Fall is a busy season, between children heading back to school and the holiday season just around the corner. People are constantly coming in and out of the house as a result, so it’s particularly important to keep a close eye on your pet’s whereabouts to prevent an accidental escape and injury. Some key spots to consider are your front door, garage door and backyard – especially if it isn’t gated.

To ensure your pet isn’t lingering by an exit point as you and your guests come and go, designate a safe, comfortable play space for them to go to, along with some of their favorite toys for distraction. A pet or baby gate may also be helpful to prevent these accidental escapes. Additionally, don’t forget to inform your guests about your pet so they can be more cautious when arriving and leaving.

While some preventative measures for protecting your pet this fall can be costly, you can consider taking measures to help offset some of the costs of health issues such as allergies or accidental injuries.

In 1884, the first Monday in September was designated as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow New York’s example and celebrate a “workingmen’s holiday” on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885, Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.

Founder of Labor Day

More than a century after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.

Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, was the first to suggest a day to honor those “who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold.”

But Peter McGuire’s place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.

Labor Day: What it Means

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

On Labor Day, the U.S. Department of Labor celebrates and honors the greatest worker in the world – the American worker.

https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history

5 strategies to combat stressful triggers

Stress, the physical or mental response to external causes like overwhelming work assignments or difficult life moments, can add unnecessary pressure to your day-to-day. While everyone feels stress from time to time, when left untreated or unrecognized, it can begin to wreak havoc in the form of anxiety.

In honor of National Stress Awareness Month, consider these strategies to combat stress from the National Institutes of Mental Health.

Learn Your Triggers
Different events and situations cause stress for different people. Knowing what triggers your stress to kick in – mounds of office paperwork, important financial decisions or hectic mornings, for example – can help you plan and prepare for stress-inducing moments.

Exercise and Eat Right
Maintaining physical health can be beneficial for mental health, too. Find time to do exercises you enjoy like walking, jogging, yoga or playing a sport. Identifying activities that bring you joy can make it easier to fit 30-60-minute workouts into your schedule without adding even more stress. Complement your workout routine with nutritional meals that help you stay on track with your fitness goals.

Practice Relaxation
Whether you find inner peace through journaling, breathing exercises, reading or some other form of slowing down, find what works for you and prioritize fitting it into your daily schedule. Relaxing activities help you slow down the pace of life, providing a chance to reset by doing something you enjoy.

Get Enough Sleep
A lack of quality sleep can add to stress. Creating a bedtime routine can increase your sleep habits and help you achieve the expert-recommended 7-9 hours per night. Put away electronics, which can interfere with your ability to calm your mind, and find an activity that puts you at ease like reading a book or listening to relaxing music. Ensure your bedroom is optimized for comfort by making it cool, dark and quiet.

Create a Network of Support
Everyone experiences stress. Reach out to family members and close friends you can lean on in stressful and frustrating moments. Share your feelings and encourage others to do the same, which can increase trust and help everyone in your circle cope in a positive way.

Ready or not, bad weather is on its way. Before the snow starts falling, take some time to transform your backyard into a safe refuge for winter-weary birds before unpredictable, harsh weather begins. The experts at Cole’s Wild Bird Products suggest timely tips to encourage birds to seek sustenance and shelter in your backyard this winter.

Start by taking an inventory of your existing feeders. Inspect each for damage and replace if necessary. Consider adding new feeders to attract even more birds and allow for fewer trips to refill them during especially cold and stormy days. Now is also the perfect time to stock up on high-energy bird feed so you’re ready to go when the first flakes fall.

Figuring out feeders

Different species of birds not only prefer different types of feed, they also prefer different types of feeders. Consider providing a variety of feeder types to increase the diversity of your avian visitors.

A tube feeder is a must-have, since these all-purpose feeders keep seed dry while allowing a wide variety of birds to feed from multiple ports. Specialty wire-mesh tube feeders, designed for birds that cling, can easily dispense tiny, oil-rich niger seeds, protein-packed dried mealworms and other specialty feed. Mesh feeders allow clinging birds like woodpeckers to grasp the side of the feeder while selecting food – and prevent larger, more aggressive birds from hogging the feed.

If you want an easy-to-use, one-size-fits-most feeder, select a bowl style with a protective dome that can be raised and lowered to thwart large birds and squirrels from getting to the feed while helping to protect seed from rain and snow. Easy to hang and fill, bowl feeders accommodate any seed, suet or even chopped fruit. Also, be sure to include at least one suet cage in your feeder array since suet provides a critical source of energy for birds in cold weather.

Clean to prevent disease

As you prepare your feeders, a necessary chore is to clean out any residue before filling with fresh seed. Unfortunately, some feeders are hard to scrub out, but Cole’s tube feeders have a built-in “quick-clean” feature, making cleaning a breeze. Just push a button and the bottom pops off for easy access to the inside. Use soapy water and a bottlebrush to scrub, then rinse with cool water. This ensures that mold or mildew aren’t present and helps prevent disease.

Select top-quality feed

You may not realize that some commercial birdfeed is treated to prevent spoilage or packed with cheap “filler” seeds like milo, wheat or red millet – which birds seldom eat. Offering top-quality feed means less waste and ensures an increase in birds at your feeders.

Cole’s takes exceptional care to select only the top 1 to 2 percent of the highest-quality seeds birds like to eat. The seed is delivered in “Harvest Fresh Lock” packaging, which protects nutritional content and doesn’t allow seed to spoil or dry out like other bird feed. No dangerous pesticides, chemicals or mineral oils are used, keeping seed as close to a natural state as possible.

Your seed choices should provide birds with the biggest energy boost possible. Sunflower is a great seed option for winter because it’s rich in oil, which attracts birds and provides plenty of energy. Cole’s Oil Sunflower is the highest-grade black oil sunflower seed, at over 99 percent pure! Peanuts are another high-energy option. Choose hulled varieties that are whole – and more nutritious than peanut pieces.

And don’t forget high-fat foods, like suet, the solid fat rendered from beef, or vegetables that provide concentrated energy to help birds maintain their increased metabolic rate during winter when their normal food sources are scarce. Or, try a suet-seed mix like Nutberry Suet Blend, an energy-packed, powerhouse feed mix of premium fruits, preferred nuts, suet kibbles and whole kernel sunflower meats.

Provide water and shelter

Birds need fresh water, especially in cold weather. Choose a heated birdbath and place it in a sheltered spot for safe access. And since birds may unwisely choose the coldest days to take a bath, consider placing a few rocks inside to discourage bathing, while still allowing birds room to drink.

Birds also appreciate warm, dry shelter from wet, snowy conditions. Offering well-insulated nest boxes will provide them with a cozy place to harbor.

Preparing for birds now will enable you to continue to enjoy them throughout the winter and birds will benefit from your extra-special care.

https://coleswildbird.com/

Lear and his colleagues analyzed responses from more than 130,000 people aged 35-70 in 17 countries. Participants were asked about their levels of physical activity, then they were followed for nearly seven years.

The conclusion was that 1 in 20 cases of heart disease and 1 in 12 premature deaths could be prevented if everyone met World Health Organization guidelines. WHO recommends that adults do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week. This is a mere 2.5 hours a week that could bring long term health benefits. It’s time well spent when we invest in our long term health.

Lucky for us, the Jersey Shore has many beautiful walking trails and beaches. Why spend time on a treadmill when you can enjoy the outdoors? We’ve listed Five local spots that make taking a walk into a mini-vacation!

1- Boardwalks– They are numerous here at the Shore and one is guaranteed to be the perfect length for your walk.
2- Manasquan Reservoir- There is a 5-mile perimeter trail or a 1-mile interior Nature trail.
3- Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway– A 5.2 long trail starting in the town of Manasquan and ending at Allaire State Park.
4- Sandy Hook Multi-Use Pathway- An 8.5-mile path with stunning ocean views and beaches leading to Fort Hancock.
5- The Henry Hudson Trail– A tree-lined 24-mile pathway mostly paved and flat.

We live in the perfect place to power walk! Grab your sneaks and head out to your favorite place at the Shore!

Consider these tips to help lead a healthier lifestyle.

Get checked out regularly. Just because you’re healthy doesn’t mean you should eschew routine checkups, and that includes self-examinations. While regular visits to your health care provider can keep you up-to-date on preventative screenings and immunizations, getting to know your own body can have similar benefits.

Care for your prostate. If you’re experiencing frequent urination, a weak or slow urine stream, incomplete bladder emptying, difficulty or delay in starting urination or a urine stream that stops and starts, these may be signs you may be suffering from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), otherwise known as enlarged prostate.

Enlarged prostate, which is non-cancerous and affects more than 40 million American men, can also cause loss of productivity and sleep, according to research published in the “Journal of Urology.”Medication is often the first line of treatment, but some patients may suffer uncomfortable side effects including dizziness, headaches and sexual dysfunction, which can prompt them to quit using their medications.

“Many men living with BPH symptoms take prescription medications after they have been diagnosed, but relief can be inadequate and temporary,” said Dr. Peter Walter, M.D., urologist and paid consultant for Teleflex Incorporated, the manufacturer of the UroLift(r) System.

As one alternative to medication, an option like the UroLift System treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that doesn’t require any cutting, heating or removal of prostate tissue. A urologist places small implants to lift and move enlarged prostate tissue so it no longer blocks the urethra and can allow for normal urine flow. Most common side effects are mild to moderate, and patients generally can return to their normal routines with minimal downtime. For more information about treatment options, or to find a urologist near you who treats BPH, visit UroLift.com.

Focus on a more nutritious diet. Aim for a pattern of healthier eating that includes more fruits, vegetables and leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, kale and broccoli, which can help keep you – and your prostate – healthy. Also, try to cut back on consumption of red meat – specifically processed meat – as well as salt and sweets.

Know your numbers. Be sure to discuss your family history and lifestyle with your doctor as he or she may recommend screenings for diseases and common ailments. Be sure to keep up with these screenings and check-in with your doctor to make sure you’re accounting for milestone ages and common ailments associated with aging.

Make exercise a priority. Exercise is key to maintaining quality of life. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity for adults. Even shorter increments of physical activity multiple times a day such as a walking meeting, opting for the stairs instead of the elevator or parking farther from your destination, can provide health and stress-relieving benefits.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

Here are three reasons for you and your family to go fishing for your next day trip:

1. It’s a fun way to spend time together.

Fishing is a fun activity that gets kids outdoors and engaged, and it’s easy for anyone to participate, regardless of their age. Fishing allows friends and families to enjoy a relaxing day together and helps keep their focus on each other, nature and the activity at hand. For kids interested in fishing on a regular basis, organized youth fishing programs are becoming increasingly popular nationwide. T

2. It’s accessible.

Many people live near lakes or other bodies of water, allowing easy access to the sport. For others, water maybe just a short drive away, making for a perfect one-day escape or weekend getaway.

Also, fishing isn’t complicated to learn and doesn’t require a ton of expensive equipment. Whether you own or rent a boat, or fish from a dock or shoreline, learning the basics with an affordable rod and reel is something anyone can do.

3. It’s good for you.

Spending time outdoors offers significant health benefits. One huge advantage of fishing together is that it allows families to get away from screens. Everyone can set their phones and gadgets aside to enjoy time in nature and relish each other’s company without distractions.

If a child is spending too much time with electronics, breaking up their routine with an outdoor activity like fishing can expose them to the benefits of in-person interaction, engaging with the real world and experiencing the beauty of nature.

Here are additional health benefits that come with fishing outdoors:

Vitamin D. Just 10-15 minutes of midday sun provides a healthy dose of vitamin D, which helps bodies absorb calcium. This boosts bone growth and health and fights disease. Vitamin D also elevates mood, helping with depression.

Relaxation. Being outdoors, breathing fresh air and spending time on a body of water relieves stress and lowers blood pressure. For people constantly on the go, it’s a great way to take a much-needed break.

Exercise. Walking and boating help burn calories and increases heart rate. And even though the participants may not notice, fishing helps stretch and flex some of the body’s underused muscles.

With its widespread accessibility, health benefits and ease of participation, fishing is a great way to get outside and enjoy the beautiful summer weather. You just might catch some fish – and have a great time doing it.