I am pleased to invite you and your family to the Family Health Fair that I am sponsoring in cooperation with the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System on Sunday, Oct. 30 at the Clinton G. Martin Park in New Hyde Park from 1 to 4 p.m.

According to the National Coalition on Health Care (NCHC), approximately 45 million Americans or 15.6 percent were without health insurance coverage in 2003 and the number is rising. Lack of insurance means less preventive care, diagnoses at more advanced disease stages and higher mortality rates. The NCHC reported more than a third of those uninsured went without recommended medical tests or treatment due to the cost.

This Family Health Fair enables all constituents to receive free screenings whether or not they have insurance coverage.

A wonderful array of health services will be provided by the health system's highly regarded professional staff. The free adult health screenings will include blood pressure, cholesterol (recommend two-hour fast), blood glucose (recommend two-hour fast), colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer.

You will be able to get your flu and/or pneumonia shot just in time to protect you as the flu season approaches. For senior citizens (65+) Active Medicare Part B will be accepted. There is a nominal charge for individuals under 60 years of age - $20 for flu shots and $25 for pneumonia shots.

Up-to-date health insurance information, refreshments and activities for children will all be part of this wonderful community health day.

Knowing how difficult and time consuming a trip to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles can be, I have also arranged for their mobile outreach van to be at the fair. The DMV staff will provide services and answer questions in a convenient and hassle-free environment. If you are interested in DMV motorist services or non-driver photo IDs, please call my district office at 482-6966 to make sure you bring the necessary documentation.

I wish to thank the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System for their continuing commitment to the health and well-being of our residents as well as the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles for bringing their services to our community.

I look forward to seeing you there

Every 79 seconds, a thief steals someone's identity, opens accounts in the victim's name and goes on a buying spree, according to CBS News. A study by Gartner Group reveals that 1 in 50 consumers has suffered identity theft. The FBI now calls identity theft our nation's fastest growing crime.

"One of the best ways to protect yourself from identity theft is to check your credit reports," said Assemblyman Tom DiNapoli (D-Great Neck) who announced that consumers could now get a free credit report annually from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies.

"It's a chance to monitor your credit accounts for any unusual activity and can help safeguard your finances and prevent identity theft," said Assemblyman DiNapoli.

Your credit report includes information about where you live, how you pay your bills and whether you have filed for bankruptcy. The three consumer reporting companies - Equifax, Experian and TransUnion - sell that information to your creditors, insurers and other businesses when you apply for a loan, insurance, or rent a home.

"Knowing your credit history can save you heartache and aggravation and protect your assets," added DiNapoli.

You can obtain your free credit reports at www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228 or by mail at Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.