Community News & Notes from Assembly Member Audrey I. Pheffer...

Assemblywoman Pheffer Announces Kingsborough Community College - My Turn Program

Assemblywoman Audrey I. Pheffer (D-Queens) is pleased to announce the Kingsborough Community College My Turn Program – an educational opportunity for individuals 60 years or older.

Kingsborough Community College offers seniors a great opportunity to attend college classes tuition free. NY State residents 60 years of age or older are qualified to attend classes as matriculating or non matriculating students.

More than 400 courses are available. Courses in art, music, history, computers, health education, literature and many other categories are offered. My Turn students attend classes with traditional students.

Facilities available to students include the library, gym, pool, tennis court and private beach.

Only an $80.00 registration fee is paid each semester. For further information or an application call Kingsborough Community College at (718) 368-5079 or you can visit their website.

Assemblywoman Pheffer Welcomes West Point Cadet Gerard J. Connolly II to Albany

 l-r: Cadet Gerard J. Connolly II and Assemblywoman Pheffer

Assemblywoman Audrey I. Pheffer (D-Queens) was pleased to welcome West Point Cadet Gerard J. Connolly II to Albany in celebration of West Point Day on April 6, 2011.

Cadet Connolly II is the son of Gerard and Joanne Connolly and the grandson of Mrs. Frances Russo and Mr. & Mrs. Patrick and Breda Connolly all of Howard Beach. Patrick Connolly is Commander of VFW Bernard J. Coleman Post #2565 in Howard Beach. 

Sunscreen... When in doubt, throw it out!

Spring is upon us and Sunny weather is soon to follow. Whether you are planning a holiday vacation, marching in a parade, sunbathing at Rockaway Beach, or enjoying a trip to the ballpark, it is important to protect yourself from the elements of the sun.

According to the American Cancer Society, over 800,000 new skin cancer cases of highly curable basal cell cancers are diagnosed every year. Furthermore, because of the link between severe sunburn in childhood and a greater risk of melanoma in later life, children should be protected from the sun.

Sunscreen is very important in protecting you and your family from damage caused by sun exposure. Many people, however, are unaware that sunscreens can lose their effectiveness over time. Most sunscreens have a lifespan of one to three years and after three years the active ingredients can deteriorate thereby decreasing protection.

Unfortunately, because sunscreen products are not required to have an expiration date most consumers would not know when to replace their sunscreen. As a precaution and a rule of thumb, throw out your old sunscreen and replace it every one to two years.

The New York State Assembly has repeatedly passed legislation, which would require sunscreen products to be labeled with expiration dates. In addition to passing this legislation, the Assembly has passed a resolution calling on Congress to enact federal legislation to require all sunscreen products to be labeled with expiration dates and storage requirements. The Food and Drug Administration is currently developing new regulations for sunscreen labels, including a requirement that they list their effectiveness in blocking UVA rays.

Being safe while enjoying the outdoors can be achieved by following a few simple guidelines supplied by the American Medical Society;

• Choose a sunscreen product with SPF 15 or greater.
• Look for sunscreen products that protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Avobenzone, Zinc Oxide and Titanium provide protection against UVA rays.
• Replace your sunscreen supply regularly to ensure active ingredients are effective. “WHEN IN DOUBT – THROW IT OUT”
• Apply and reapply.

These tips are useful in protecting against the harmful effects of the sun. Alternatives include wearing protective clothing or taking a break from the sun by going inside or in the shade. Remember, be safe, use your sunscreen, and enjoy the beautiful weather.