On Tuesday, July 17, the Nassau County Health Department will hold a public hearing at 3 p.m. at 240 Old Country Road in Mineola for the purpose of considering trans fat regulations for all permitted food service establishments in Nassau County. Back in April, as part of my ongoing "Healthy Nassau" campaign, I called on the Board of Health to implement a ban on trans fats served in restaurants, and to require calorie counts on menus.

This is a one-two punch in our fight for a healthier Nassau. First, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Nassau County, and study after study has shown a strong link between trans fat intake and the risk of coronary artery disease.

Second, research shows that obesity is linked to frequent restaurant meals - since calories aren't listed on most menus, people have no idea how many calories they're consuming. For instance, did you know that just one slice of carrot cake at a leading restaurant chain has 1,560 calories? That's three-quarters of an entire day's recommended calorie intake.

Indeed, studies show that consumers substantially underestimate the levels of calories, fat, saturated fat and cholesterol in less healthful menu items. One study showed that even well-trained nutritionists often underestimate the calorie-count of typical restaurant meals.

While menu calorie counts combat obesity, banning trans fats will make our hearts more healthy. Unlike other fats, trans fats are neither required nor beneficial for health. And many studies have shown that eating trans fat increases the risk of coronary heart disease. That's why health authorities worldwide recommend that consumption of trans fat be reduced to trace amounts. And trans fats from partially hydrogenated oils - which are the main source of trans fats in today's diet - are generally considered to be more of a health risk than those occurring naturally from some meat and dairy products.

I know the Board of Health will give fair consideration to any concerns restaurant owners may have about how to best implement the changes that will ultimately protect and improve public health. The unhealthy food served in some restaurants is a significant - and preventable - health risk to Nassau County residents. I want to do everything I can to minimize that risk.

Healthy Nassau is a campaign to make Nassau the healthiest county in the nation, and builds upon existing initiatives and adds new ones in order to sustain a healthy environment (focusing on air, land and water), while encouraging healthy living (tending to bodies, minds and spirits). Along with the push to ban trans fats and put calorie counts on menus, Healthy Nassau initiatives include: working with other large municipalities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and explore mass transit options; continuing to preserve the county's remaining open space; operating an organic farm at Old Bethpage Village Restoration, and seeking a state-authorized increased cigarette tax to discourage smoking.

For more information on the hearing scheduled for July 17, please visit the Health Department's website at www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Health/index.html