Assemblyman Rob Walker (R, C, I, WF - Hicksville) is announcing that Nassau BOCES is offering 25 different courses for adults at the Long Island High School for the Arts, formerly the Cultural Arts Center in Syosset.

"This is the first time the school has opened its doors to adults. It's a great opportunity to participate in a course that interests you," said Walker. "They are offering a range of classes, from music and acting, to art appreciation. I urge anyone who is interested to contact Nassau BOCES before classes fill up."

Registration is taking place until classes start on Oct. 2, and each course runs for a 10-week session from 7 to 10 pm. For more information or to request a brochure call 622-5678 or visit www.nassauboses.org/adulted.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this year, more than 200,000 American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and almost 40,000 will die. As a nation we have made medical strides in understanding breast cancer but much remains to be done to advance prevention, early detection, and effective treatment.

Regular screenings remain the most effective way to identify breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages. For women 40 and over, having mammograms every 1 to 2 years can reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer. To prevent breast cancer, we must increase awareness of its risk factors and causes. In addition, age and genetic factors have been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer and researchers are now exploring how diet and hormonal factors are linked to possible causes.

Here on Long Island for the past 27 years, Adelphi University has run the Adelphi New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program. The program offers information, counseling, referrals and emotional support to women, men and their families. The hotline is staffed by trained volunteers who are all breast cancer survivors.

During the month of October, I am urging everyone to take advantage of the services provided by the wonderful staff at the Adelphi New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support program. We all have someone in our life who is at risk from this devastating disease, and the best medicine is always prevention and awareness.

Help is just a phone call or mouse click away at 1-800-877-8077 or www.adelphi.edu/nysbreastcancer