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The Health Issue
May / June 2025
Read our latest issue below, or keep scrolling for behind-the-scenes pictures, videos, puzzles (& answers) and information.
Click here to answer the puzzle in our Will Shortz article
We couldn’t resist. We had to create our own puzzle. The rules are simple: fill in the blank words throughout the article, note the letters in the green boxes, then unscramble those special letters to answer our “common crossword question.”
Once you’ve got the answer, use it as the password HERE to enter your name and possibly win a prize.
We have a problem. It’s a health problem. Actually, we have three problems.
The first problem is that we just can’t help ourselves. We are so curious about so many things that when our annual health rolls around, we want to tackle 30 different stories. It’s a difficult and painful process to narrow it down, and once we do, that’s just the beginning.
The second problem is Gia’s. Once stories are assigned to writers and interns, she’s not done—not even close. She loves learning, and she loves research, so whether it’s her story or not, Gia spends hours and hours poring over news articles and scientific studies to guarantee that every fact we present in print is accurate.
Then there’s Justin’s problem. It’s not enough to design a cover or assign artwork. He spends hours digging through art history and design books, visiting galleries and meeting with his team to find new, cultured, and perhaps a bit crazy ways to present a topic. And these days, he’s also been known to pick up a video camera.
So now, with our third annual health issue under our belts, we’ve learned so much that we could write a book (but we won’t). Instead, here’s a summary of this year’s health knowledge. You’ll have to read the issue to get the details (sorry/not sorry).
- Fix your posture!
- During sleep, your brain self-cleans.
- Drink your H₂O (okay, we already knew this, but it’s important, so we’re putting it here).
- Hey, cut it out. Don’t stigmatize people because you don’t understand what they’re going through; educate yourself and empathize instead.
- “Natural” isn’t always better (snakes can kill you, insulin pumps save lives).
- The MMR vaccine does not cause autism (we knew this too, but it’s worth pointing out everywhere we can).
- What we eat can affect our brain’s health.
- Dannon, Sketchers and vitaminwater are just some of the companies that were forced to pay millions for making false health claims about their products.
- Screen time isn’t only about how much you watch; it’s also about what you watch.
- There are approximately 15,000 different “forever chemicals,” and some of them could be in our drinking water.
We’d like to end with a quote we personally relate to, believed to be from our dear friend Hippocrates:
“If you are in a bad mood, go for a walk. If you are still in a bad mood, go for another walk.”
About Our Back Cover (& Puzzle Answers)
We don’t blame you for being confused. The puzzles on our back cover are from a 1913 book, “Guess Again or Eafy Enigmas & Puzzles, for Little Folks.” Published in London by John Fairburn, some of these puzzles even confused the book’s owner, Will Shortz. But once you understand how they’re solved, we challenge you to stop reading this list and see if you can solve the rest on your own. Good luck!
The answers (written as they appear in the book):
- I have been in the four quarters of the globe.
- Let us meet on the level and part on the square.
- Do not undertake any task above your power.
- I have married a spruce milliner.
- He has travelled round the world.
- He is over head and ears in debt.
- I cannot overlook your intent.
- I dislike meat underdone.
- I am put to my shifts.
- He is half-seas over in love.
- I hear and see you too.
- I see you are above asking favours.
- Why are you so inattentive?
- You are expected here.
- A man above advice is beneath notice.
- May the wings of friendship never lose a feather.
- I expect a line in return.
- I hope and trust to see you again.
- Let me be understood, I am above making an excuse.
- A good man hates not his enemies.
- Your talents are undunderrated because of your inattention.
- Use well your time and be wise.
- I have been over to Newcastle-under-Line to see you.
- He made a tour round the coast.
- I wish I was independent.
- Sir, between us two this overbearing temper is beneath contempt.
- Life is surrounded by crosses.
- Why are Dissenters like bees?—They are in-sects.
- I was overtaken in a shower of rain.
- I am surrounded with eyes, and you I see are so likewise.
- Rays in the wind.
- She is surrounded with beaux.
- Art-i-san.
- Keep within compass.
Spring + Summer Event Guide
LAUGH, CRY AND HOPE WITH THE MUSICAL “WAITRESS” AT A.C.T. OF CT
May 29 – June 22; 36 Old Quarry Road, Ridgefield, CT; (475) 215-5497; actofct.org
“Waitress” is a heartfelt musical that tells the story of Jenna, a talented pie maker stuck in a small-town diner and an unhappy marriage. Dreaming of a better life, Jenna finds solace and creativity in baking pies, pouring her hopes and frustrations into each recipe. With a soulful score by Sara Bareilles, “Waitress” explores themes of empowerment, self-discovery, and the healing power of love and friendship. From its bittersweet moments to its sweet triumphs, “Waitress” serves up a deliciously uplifting tale that resonates with audiences long after the final curtain falls. PG-13.
CELEBRATE LOCAL BUSINESSES AT NEXT STOP…BEDFORD HILLS
May 15; Bedford Hills Community House; 6-9 p.m.; discoverbedfordhills.org
Help the newly formed Bedford Hills Business Association (BHBA) honor five legacy Bedford Hills business leaders at a reception style-event showcasing goods from local businesses. Part of a broader effort to support economic vitality within Bedford Hills, NEXT STOP… BEDFORD HILLS will feature small plates, live music and an artwork auction featuring Jose Marti’s Bedford Hills-inspired pieces framed by The Paint Box. Help us celebrate some of the OG businesses: Aldo’s Barbershop, Bedford Stone & Masonry, JC Electric, The Paint Box and Robert M. Spano Heating and Plumbing. Tickets are $50.
LAUGH THE NIGHT AWAY WITH HARD HEADED COMEDY
May 9, Cap’t Lawrence (7 p.m.); May 17, Sono 1420 After Dark (8 p.m.); May 21, Bedford Hills Open Mic (7 p.m.); May 29, Yellow Studio (7 p.m.); June 5, The Lark After Dark (7:30 p.m.); June 13, The Lewisboro Library (8 p.m.)
At Hard Headed Comedy, we believe laughter is the best medicine—no copay, no waiting room, just pure joy. Science backs us up: laughter boosts immunity, lowers stress and floods you with feel-good endorphins. It’s not just entertainment—it’s therapy with punchlines. Founded by the unapologetically bold Luz Michelle, Hard Headed Comedy brings inclusive, high-energy shows to the greater Westchester area, creating spaces where humor heals and connection thrives. Follow us @hardheadedcomedyinc for show updates & tickets, behind-the-scenes fun, and your weekly dose of laughter—side effects may include happiness.
KAYAK, SUP & CAMP IN HUDSON VALLEY WITH HUDSON RIVER EXPEDITIONS
May 24-Mid-Oct.; Beacon, Cold Spring & Staatsburg; HudsonRiverExpeditions.com; [email protected]
Explore the Hudson Valley by water with kayak & stand-up paddleboard rentals, tours and instruction in Cold Spring and Beacon. Kayak tours and camping on Esopus Island in Staatsburg. Opportunities for private events and instruction, corporate outings, a kids kayaking camp and overnight kayak/camping experiences (including on Esopus Island) at Mills Norrie State Park.
GET YOUR RAINBOW ON AT THE 5TH ANNUAL LEWISBORO CELEBRATES PRIDE IN THE PARK
June 21; Lewisboro Town Park, Rt. 35, 2-5 p.m.
Celebrating our fifth year, Lewisboro will once again acknowledge June as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. Please join us for our annual Pride in the Park Celebration. You can expect an exciting lineup of Drag Queen Story Hour, our famous Pet Pride Parade, tabling from 30+ community organizations, a moon bounce castle, a DJ dance party and much more for the whole family. Best of all, you can expect a large crowd of LGBTQIA+ affirming community members from around the tri-state area.
SHOP FOR FOOD, BEVERAGES, FLOWERS & MORE AT THE NORTH SALEM FARMERS MARKET
May 10, June 14, July 12, Aug. 9, Sept. 13, Oct. 11; Back Street, Croton Falls; 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
northsalemfarmersmarket.org
The North Salem Farmers Market returns on May 10 and will run every second Saturday through October. The market features 30+ vendors, live music curated by Ian Hendrickson-Smith (The Roots, Uncle Cheef), lunch options, seating, and kids activities. This is more than a market—it’s a monthly celebration of food, farming and community. You’ll find everything you need, including local organic fruit & veggies, meat, fish, poultry, mushrooms, bagels, breads & pastries, wild-fermented cider, spirits, pickles, mustards, honey, dumplings, flowers, native plants and more. Plus, the parking is easy and ADA accessible, or take the train and walk right into the market.
ROCK ON AT THE 19TH ANNUAL PLEASANTVILLE MUSIC FESTIVAL
July 12; Parkway Field, Pleasantville; pleasantvillemusicfestival.com
Join thousands of your closest friends/fellow music lovers for a day of world-class music, food, drinks, kids activities, and crafts & products available for purchase. Plus meet local charities and feel good about attending a zero-waste festival. This year’s lineup includes the beloved California rock band Dawes, an indie-pop/funk-infused group called Bermuda Search Party, some “gut-busting” blues from Chris Bergson Band, a gospel/R&B/soul/pop/hip hop singer Nikki Hill, country singer Jessica Lynn, the band Pleasantville, and more. Get your tickets before the June 28 price increase.
VIEW STUNNING BASKETS AT JEREMY FREY’S FIRST MAJOR RETROSPECTIVE
June 5 – Sept. 7; 1 Museum Dr., Greenwich; (203) 869-0376; brucemuseum.org
The first major retrospective of the artist’s work, “Jeremy Frey: Woven” presents a comprehensive survey of Frey’s prolific career spanning more than two decades. A seventh-generation Passamaquoddy basket maker and one of the most celebrated Indigenous weavers in the country, Frey pushes the creative limits of the medium, producing ambitious and meticulously crafted baskets that reflect his remarkable technical skill. Featuring over fifty baskets made of raw materials such as sweetgrass, cedar, spruce root, and porcupine quills, Woven offers visitors an opportunity to see a visionary artist at the height of his craft. Learn more at BruceMuseum.org.
CHARTER A BOAT ON THE HUDSON RIVER WITH WATERSHED CRUISES
238 Green Street, Tarrytown; (914) 414-4333; watershedcharters.com
Do something a little different. Celebrate a birthday or anniversary, hold a corporate event, or just enjoy time with friends and family by chartering your own cruise on the Hudson River. Visit the Statue of Liberty, West Point, amazing local historical landmarks, or cruise to Citi Field—all in a 28-foot trawler that accommodates up to six people and comes with a captain & mate. Or, anchor the boat and relax on the water, possibly go for a swim or watch a breathtaking sunset. Choose the time of day and destination. Prices start at $199. BYOB & food or opt for catering.
VISIT WESTCHESTER COUNTY CENTER
198 Central Avenue, White Plains; Box office hours: Tuesday – Friday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
The Westchester County Center in White Plains is celebrating 95 years of bringing unforgettable experiences to the community. From electrifying concerts and dynamic trade shows to sporting events and family-friendly fun, there’s something for everyone. As Westchester’s premier destination for entertainment, the Westchester County Center is your all-in-one hub for must-see shows & activities. Visit countycenter.biz for a full list of events.
