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Sunday Lifestyles

Do fitness trackers really improve your health? Experts weigh pros and cons

Editor’s note: This piece by Suhliana Costa won second place in the Health and Science Journalism Workshop for high school students. Fitness trackers are becoming a common tool for people looking to improve their health, but experts say they come with both benefits and drawbacks. These wearable devices track activity, heart rate, sleep, and more, helping users stay aware of their habits and make healthier choices, though concerns about accuracy and data privacy remain. Fitness trackers, often worn as watches or wristbands, are designed to monitor daily physical activity and ...

“Empty Rooms” add faces to gun violence

I agree with what Steve Kerr, the former player of the Chicago Bulls, and the current great coach of the Golden State Warriors says about coaching. Kerr is a great human being. I first met him at the Binghamton Holiday Inn in 1997 and I remember him telling me, “I love coaching basketball and helping them become the best versions of themselves is incredibly gratifying. It is also a job that offers insight into how fragile life can be – an injury, bad break or a change to their circumstances can shift everything for the worse.” I concur with his philosophy and coached high ...

Dunkirk grit in music: Former resident’s albums make major platform

Over 40 years of songs. Songs shaped by the grit, oil and steel of the Norfolk Western line. The lonesome whistle of the freight trains, the low subsonic rumblings as they passed his bedroom. All a stone’s throw away. There was nothing beautiful about his neck of the woods. It was ...

Pen Pals can make great friends

I have a pen pal. Her name is Alice Congdon. Alice is the youngest member of the wonderful Congdon clan. This amazing family is made up of Kevin, Megan, Jake, Henry and Miss Alice. I met this wonderful and caring family when Jake and Henry were outstanding student athletes at Northern Chautauqua Catholic School. Miss Alice was often a visitor at NCCS. More times than not, when Alice visited NCCS, we would end up reading a book together in my office. When my cancer diagnosis forced me to leave NCCS , the Congdons stayed in close contact. They sent me cards, letters and treats. They ...

Program offers welcoming space at agency

Community outreach is most powerful when it meets people where they are — and offers them something they didn’t think was possible. For many families, especially those caring for children with developmental disabilities, even a simple outing can feel overwhelming. The need for support is ...

Region has its fill of April showers

Spring is here! Buds are growing, birds have returned and are singing, and everything has come alive once more. Both people and wild animals eagerly anticipate the warmth that follows winter. However, one feature of spring that is often less anticipated is the rain that comes with it. ...