When installing smoke detectors, please follow the manufacturer's instruction.

In general, smoke detectors should be installed in hallways outside of bedrooms and at the top of the basement stairs. The purpose of such a placement is to provide a warning when you are most vulnerable, i.e. when you are sleeping. However, I suggest that you put them in every bedroom.

The sound from the smoke detector, when it is activated, should be extremely loud.

Often times, smoke detectors are installed too close to the kitchen and are activated when one is cooking. What many people do, which is extremely foolish, is to deactivate these smoke alarms by removing the batteries.

Smoke alarms should not be installed within three (3) feet of a kitchen or bathroom. This will minimize the chance of a false alarm.

Smoke does not fill in all contours and areas in corners and are often relatively free of smoke. Because of this, smoke detectors should be mounted at least four (4) inches from a wall when placed on a ceiling and at least four (4) inches, but never less than twelve (12) inches from the ceiling when placed on a wall.

Smoke detectors that are "hard" wired (non-battery operated smoke detectors) must be directly connected to the lighting circuit without an intervening wall switch.

Please check the batteries in your smoke detector after reading this article to ensure yourself that they are fully operational. Batteries in smoke detectors should also be changed twice a year. Remember - Smoke Detectors Save Lives.

Three of the members of the Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps have distinguished themselves this year.

Mark Swensen has been selected as the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician of the Year.

Joe Pangello and Adam Gonzolaz were selected as Emergency Technicians of the Year.

On behalf of myself and all the residents of our village, I wish to congratulate each of these honorees and thank them and all the members of the Ambulance Corps for the great job they do in attending to the medical needs of our community.

Osteoporosis is a debilitating disease that primarily affects women. Pain, loss of height, and spinal deformities are characteristics of the disease that can lead to disability.

All are invited to be informed about the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis by attending Winthrop-University Hospital's free lecture, "Osteoporosis, Got Milk?" on Wednesday, Jan. 12.

Linda Radler, MPA, director of physical therapy, and Jane Moore, RN, BSN, CCRN, Osteoporosis Research, Diagnosis and Treatment Center, will discuss the latest advances in the prevention and treatment of the disease. This presentation will cover the benefits of nutritional guidance, medication, proper body mechanics and weight bearing exercises.

This program will be held at the Winthrop Conference Center, 101 Mineola Blvd. Admission is free but seating is limited and as such please call 1-888-53WOMEN to reserve your placed for this program which begins at 7 p.m.

Seniors and their families can learn about heart disease at a free lecture, "Heart Disease: What is it?" through Winthrop-University Hospital's "Health Update for Seniors" program on Wednesday, Jan. 12. The seminar will be held at the Mineola Community Center, 55 Washington Avenue in Mineola. It will begin with registration at 1:15 p.m., followed by the lecture at 1:45 p.m.

Gregory Macina, MD, director of Rehabilitation and Cardiac Wellness Programs at Winthrop, will discuss the various types of heart problems, along with their signs and symptoms. The discussion will also include a review of the diagnostic tests performed in evaluating heart disease, followed by a question and answer period.

Admission is free, but seating is limited. Pre-registration is required. Please call 663-3916 to reserve your place.