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QC01052017

32 THE QUEENS COURIER • HEALTH • JANUARY 5, 2017 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM health Howard Beach cyclists give the gift of warmth to those in need BY ANTHONY GIUDICE agiudice@qns.com/@A_ GiudiceReport Howard Beach’s favorite cyclists, Corinne and Jack Wlody, also known as Team Wlody, brought the gift of warmth to New Yorkers by handing out 1,000 pairs of gloves to people during their second annual Glove Giveaway. On the morning of Dec. 16 — with the temperature dipping to a frigid 19 degrees — the Wlodys visited the Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen in Manhattan, where they gave out gloves to hundreds of people waiting in line for a hot meal. Jack and Corinne, along with their team of Ken Podziba, president and CEO of Bike New York, Louis F. Lotito, Michael Wlody, and Joseph Vericella, took to the streets of Manhattan to hand out the rest of the gloves to anybody walking around without gloves on their hands. “We are always mindful of the conditions and circumstances of others. We try to fi nd meaningful ways to directly impact and help those around us,” Corinne Wlody said. “It’s important to us that people who struggle with any type of issues know that they are not forgotten, and that we care. Th is is an extension of what we do in transforming people’s lives — whether it’s physically changing their body, mind and spirit, or lending a helping hand to a stranger — what good is being fi t and strong if you don’t use it to lift others?” Th e cyclists were also awarded the 2016 President’s Volunteer Service Award for their numerous volunteer hours. It is the Wlodys’ mission to inspire others to do random acts of kindness and make the world a better place for all. Th eir motto is: “If you want things to change and improve, you’ve got to be the solution.” “It feels really awesome being recognized by the president for making a diff erence in our community. Th e people who we work with give us such wonderful feedback, and that is always truly appreciated, but this was a particularly special honor. What we try to do by our actions is inspire others. If everyone does a little something, it could make a huge diff erence in the condition of our world.” Th e Wlodys’ main claim to fame is their tireless eff orts on their bicycles. Earlier this year, Jack and Corinne became the New York State Champions of the 2016 National Bike Challenge, cycling a combined total of 23,783.1 miles in 153 consecutive days. Jack and Corinne are highly respected fi tness consultants who work to help their clients to change their lives. For more than 22 years as Lifestyle Transformation Experts, they have successfully guided countless people to reach their fi tness and lifestyle goals. Corinne is also an artist, is putting the fi nishing touches on her illustrations for “Th e Dog Who Saved Pleasantville, a ‘Tail’ of Lifestyle Choices for Kids and their Parents,” the fi tness couple’s fi rst children’s book, which is in production and will be available mid-January. Half of the proceeds from the sales of the book will be donated to Bike New York. Photos courtesy of Jack and Corinne Wlody Jack and Corinne Wlody gave away 1,000 gloves during their second annual Glove Giveaway. Ask the Commissioner How the city supports caregivers Q: I spend many hours caring for my grandchildren and older parents, but I still work full time outside the home. Are caregiver resources available to me? A: You are among an estimated 65 million, or 29 percent, of Americans who spend approximately 20 hours a week caring for loved ones. Th ese people don’t necessarily think of themselves as caregivers, but this realization is an important step in getting help so one doesn’t feel so alone and overwhelmed. Resources are available whether you’re caring for a grandchild, relative, friend, spouse or disabled child. Caregiver programs provide counseling and link New Yorkers to support groups, caregiver training sessions that are available in each borough and respite care. Additionally, DFTA’s Grandparents Resource Center also supports people who are parenting young children. Q: What programs are available for the people I care for? A: DFTA funds senior centers throughout the fi ve boroughs. If your loved one needs personal assistance or a more structured environment, there are social adult day programs throughout the city. Th rough a network of community based providers, limited housekeeping and personal care services as well as home-delivered meals for older adults are available. Q: What’s the best way to get help? A: Th e best way to get connected to caregiver services, the Grandparents Resource Center or any city resource is to call 311. Additionally, the NY Connects program links people to available long-term care services. Specialists help navigate the maze of providers and resources so families can get the help they need. NY Connects can also be reached by calling 311. DONNA CORRADO, commissioner of the city’s Department for the Aging


QC01052017
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