By:
LHT bike path is a healthy plan
We highly support Lawrence Township’s local aid application to the New Jersey Department of Transportation to fund construction of the Lawrence-Hopewell Trail through Carson Road Woods. The bicycle and walking trail makes good sense for community health and safety, and securing funding from sources other than local taxes is sound fiscal policy as well. Even with the best of planning, traffic on our local roads will only continue to increase.
Today it is not safe for our young people, and even experienced cyclists are in danger when riding. From a health standpoint, as obesity becomes epidemic, with serious impact on incidence of diabetes, heart disease and cancer, our citizens need safe places to walk, run and bicycle as part of a healthy lifestyle.
The only barrier to this wonderful amenity for our community seems to be a small number of people who have a single focus on maintaining Carson Road Woods in a pristine state. From a little distance the woods is not in our backyard although we helped with a check to save it from development it seems to us that the property is worked farmland with a history of crop production, farm roads and activity.
Maybe it’s time we looked at the bike trail as a new kind of farm road, that will allow individuals and families to continue to make the land come alive with positive, healthy activity. This would be for the greater good of people throughout the township, not just a few.
Mitch Leibowitz
Van Kirk Road
Sue Kirkland
Van Kirk Road
American Stroke Month raises public awareness
To the editor:
May is American Stroke Month. Stroke is not a fringe disease in our country. This year, stroke will strike 700,000 Americans of all ages, genders and ethnicities. A member of your family, a friend or neighbor even you could be a victim of stroke. Stroke is New Jersey’s No. 3 killer and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability.
Each May, during American Stroke Month, the American Stroke Association launches a nationwide educational campaign about stroke. Activities such the New Jersey American Stroke Association Stroke Alert! a free community stroke screening program are slated throughout American Stroke Month to reinforce the message that stroke is an urgent medical emergency; know the warning signs and call 9-1-1 immediately.
Stroke demands immediate attention. The American Stroke Association’s national theme of American Stroke Month is "The Many Faces of Stroke," bringing attention to the fact that regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or socio-economic status anyone can have a stroke. The "The many faces of stroke" theme also lends itself to going beyond demographics and looking at the family members, caregivers, rehabilitation experts and support groups that also serve as a face of stroke.
African Americans and Hispanics and Latinos are at higher risk for stroke. Yet they are the least aware of stroke risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity and tobacco use all of which are preventable or controllable, according to the American Stroke Association.
Many faces of stroke belong to women. At all ages more women than men die from stroke. Each year about 100,000 women die from stroke nearly 40,000 more than men.
Those who suffer stroke aren’t the only victims. Stroke devastates entire families. Children of all ages, spouses and relatives feel the impact of stroke. It’s important to remember that loved ones, friends and associates are among the many faces of stroke.
American Stroke Month is a great time to learn your personal risk for stroke. I urge New Jersey residents to learn your personal risk for stroke and the warning signs of stroke by attending a free American Stroke Association Stroke Association Stroke Alert! community stroke screening program taking place May 14-21. Call the American Stroke Association at (888) 4STROKE (478-7653) for a site near you.
Richard M. Hodosh, M.D.
President
American Heart Association Heritage Affiliate
North Brunswick

