FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.qns.com FEBRUARY 25, 2016 • THE QUEENS COURIER 27 oped letters & comments COMMUNITY LOSING ITS VOICE ON SCHOOL ISSUES One of the many defi nitions of community is “common ownership or partnership, community of interests.” Community school boards were established in 1969 to embrace this partnership of interest. Some succeeded, while others abused the privilege. School boards were abolished in 2003 and public education became part of the greater political arena. Parents who serve on community education councils, which were established to replace the community school boards, are to be commended for their commitment, but they are part of an education system without representation. The lack of participation in establishing educational priorities that recognize the needs of the individuality of each school and its students has tied the hands of educators who cannot use their skills and talents to meet these needs. Community Board 7 is an active participant in all the affairs of the community, including the schools, but we have yet to be visited by anyone from the chancellor’s offi ce or the School Construction Authority to discuss colocations, new construction, annexes, space uses, or the educational needs of the district. It saddens us to think that we are witnessing the dismantling of public education and the failure of the masses to stand up for their children and community while those outside the educational arena take control. We are the taxpayers, and our voices must be heard. Arlene Fleishman, Chairperson, Community Board 7 Education Committee Submitted on behalf of CB 7 LOCAL SALON LIFTS CANCER PATIENT’S SPIRITS I have cancer and the people at Concept E. Salon contacted me, asked me to come in so that they could help me with my wig and whatever hair I had left. They gave me a special scalp massage and the care that I would ordinarily not receive. Everything was given complementary with love — no questions asked, nothing expected in return. They have made this most diffi cult time in my life easier for me to cope with, and I cannot thank them enough. Love equals Concept E. Salon on Union Turnpike! Audrey, Fresh Meadows THE IMPORTANCE OF MUSIC TO GLOBAL CULTURE Throughout history, music has played an important role in human development and is a primary element in nearly all of man’s diverse cultures. Scientists are discovering that in addition to the positive effects on human health, music enhances intelligence. Research shows that music is to the brain what physical exercise is to the human body. In 1989, the National Commission on Music Education reported that students taking music courses scored an average of 20 to 40 points higher on both verbal and math portions of the SATs. Recent research concluded that “music training produced long-term changes in the wiring of the brain and improved spatial-temporal IQ scores important for some types of mathematical reasoning.” In spite of the research and evidence, music education is usually the fi rst subject to be eliminated in any budgetary crisis. More troubling are recent reports from Kuwait, Mali, Syria and Muslim communities in many countries that reveal a religious antipathy to music. As a musician and educator, I am fascinated by the signifi cant role and infl uence of music on people and our society. I was equally fascinated when I learned of radical Islam’s antipathy to music. In our society, music does not “prevent one from the remembrance of God” but instead praises and glorifi es God. Few are left unmoved by the grandeur and loftiness of Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” or the strength and intensity of Beethoven’s “Ninth Symphony.” Diversity has become the dominant attribute by which we assess the virtues of our society. Ed Konecnik, Flushing LEAD A HEALTHY LIFE IN ORDER TO BEAT CANCER BY DR. WAYNE KYE February is National Cancer Prevention Month and a second chance to make good on your New Year resolution to live a healthier life. While not all cancers are preventable, many are and there are important steps we can take to help reduce our risk for these diseases. Too many of us know someone whose life was cut short by cancer. This year, an estimated 595,690 men and women in the United States will die from cancer; approximately 34,910 deaths are expected in New York alone. With the knowledge we have today, more than half of cancer deaths can be prevented by taking action through healthy lifestyle choices. A healthy life is not defi ned by a new diet or a fad exercise, but by the choices we make consistently. The key to making changes for a healthier life is to choose small, attainable goals and slowly build up to a larger goals. Challenge yourself to start focusing on cancer prevention by practicing healthy eating, exercising regularly and scheduling recommended cancer screenings. • Eat healthy. Make healthy living a priority by eating a nutritious, balanced diet. If you gradually make small changes to your diet, you will instill long-lasting healthy eating habits. Create a list of foods you want to incorporate or eliminate from your diet, and then choose one item at a time to add or subtract and build upon each new step. Incorporate more vegetables, fruits and whole grains into your diet, reduce consumption of red meats, skip the processed meats, reduce your fat intake and limit alcohol. • Exercise. Maintaining a healthy weight is a preventive measure for many cancers and can also reduce other health risks. Exercise at least fi ve times a week for 30 minutes each time. If fi ve days a week seems daunting, start with two or three days and build your way up. If you can’t exercise for 30 minutes at a time, break it up throughout the day. Avoid doing the same workout every day; try to mix it up and do different types of exercises to keep it fresh and keep yourself moving. To make your workouts even more fun, enlist a friend or family member to work out with you — the buddy system is a powerful accountability tool. The goal is to move more and make it enjoyable. • Get recommended screenings. Screening can detect cancer early, when it is most treatable, and in some cases you can even stop cancer before it starts. You know your body best; if you notice a change in your body, be proactive and see your health care professional right away. When you make your annual visit to your physician or health care professional, be sure to discuss your family and personal health histories and learn which cancer screenings are right for you. Discuss screenings for skin, oral, colon, liver and lung cancers, as well as breast and cervical cancers for women and prostate and testicular cancers for men. These cancers can often be detected early with the right screenings. Implementing these healthy habits is a great starting point. You can also reduce your cancer risk by avoiding or quitting tobacco, practicing sun safety and getting proper immunizations. Choosing to live a healthy life and focus on cancer prevention will not only reduce your cancer risk, but will also improve your overall well-being and can reduce your risk for other diseases. Share this valuable information with friends and loved ones. To learn more visit preventcancer. org. Dr. Wayne Kye is the spouse of Congressman Grace Meng and a member of Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program of the Prevent Cancer Foundation. A LOOK BACK Here’s a unique fi nd from the Ridgewood Times’ 100th Anniversary section in 2008: a 1905 picture of P.S. 72, which was located on Maspeth Avenue between 60th Street and Old Fresh Pond Road (presentday 61st Street) in Maspeth. Though P.S. 72 no longer exists at this site, young minds continue to be educated here, as part of the site was redeveloped as Martin Luther High School, which opened in 1960. The school is now operated as Martin Luther School for children from sixth grade through senior year of high school. We want your historic photos of Queens! Share them on our Facebook and Twitter pages, email them to editorial@qns.com or mail them to The Queens Courier, 38-15 Bell Blvd., Bayside, NY 11361. All mailed pictures will be carefully returned to you upon request!
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