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Future of weight loss
Jan 15, 2025
More than 40% of Americans are now classified as obese while 75% of adults are either overweight or obese. A new group of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists have come on the scene to help in the battle to lose weight. Are they as good as we think?
You may have heard about them or some of their brand names like Zepbound, Wegovy, and Ozempic. The use of these drugs has exploded in popularity to the point where companies like Lilly and Novo Nordisk have had problems keeping up with demand. There is nothing magical about the science behind these drugs. GLP-1 mimics a protein naturally produced by our small intestines. The receptors for these medicines are located across the body. They help us lose weight because receptors in the gastrointestinal tract slow down and send signals to the brain that give us a sense of feeling full.
There are some side effects but nothing too serious for most patients. We are still learning how these medications impact the body. They are currently approved for treating diabetes, obesity, and those with a history of cardiovascular disease in people who are overweight. There are a few drawbacks to these drugs at present.
Typically, GLP-1 agonists are administered as injections in the abdomen, upper arms, outer thighs, or upper buttocks via a syringe and needle or a pre-filled dosing pen. The shots are generally taken once a day or once a week.
For many, this is a big turn-off. Fortunately, you will be able to take tablets soon. The typical weight loss is from 5-15% of body weight over at least 12 months. But GLP-1 is no quick fix. Like exercise, you must stick with it. If you stop taking it, most people regain the weight they lost. And you can’t expect to magically lose weight while you continue to eat all that junk food you get.
The second drawback is the expense. These medications’ list price is around $1,000 a month to $1,400 a month. Without insurance, we are talking $12,000 plus per year for these drugs. Many insurance plans cover some portion of GLP-1 costs, but the extent of coverage can vary significantly. You probably are wondering whether Medicare covers GLP-1 medications. They do for certain medically accepted indications such as heart attack or cardiovascular disease but not for weight management. To qualify, you must have a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with comorbidities like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes. They are currently covered through Part D plans.
An entirely new team of individuals, including a retired congressman, a surgeon, and a talk-show host could play pivotal roles in how the government goes about safeguarding America’s health.
Coinsurance amounts are pegged to the list price of drugs. As such, Medicare beneficiaries who qualify could still face monthly costs of $250 to $430 before they reach the annual out-of-pocket drug spending established by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IRA cap for out-of-pocket expenses were around $3,300 in 2024 and will be $2,000 in 2025. Most retirees living on modest incomes would still find the cost of GLP-1 prohibitive.
In November 2024, the Biden Administration proposed that Medicare and Medicaid cover obesity medications. In doing so, they sidestepped a twenty-year-old piece of legislation that prevented Medicare from covering drugs for ‘weight loss.’ The new proposal specifies that the drugs would be covered to treat the disease of obesity and prevent related conditions. Those conditions are serious and include diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, and arthritis.
The classification would also mean that every state Medicaid program would be required to cover the drugs starting in 2026. Between the two programs, an additional 7.4 million Americans would gain coverage. The price tag would be high, at least $36 billion over a decade. However, there are more obesity drugs in the pipeline and prices should fall as competition heats up. Starting in 2025, Medicare will also be able to negotiate a lower price for Wegovy as well as many other popular drugs.
As for the future, the costs and usage of GLP-1 medications could change significantly under the second Trump Administration. An entirely new team of individuals, including a retired congressman, a surgeon, and a talk-show host could play pivotal roles in how the government goes about safeguarding America’s health.
Under Robert F. Kennedy, an environmental lawyer, politician, and anti-vaccine organizer, we can expect radically different views and actions in health care, medicine, food safety, and science research. Early indications are that Kennedy, who would run the Department of Health and Human Services, is not a big fan of Ozempic. He does not believe that using popular GLP-1 drugs is ever going to make America healthy again. His remedy would be to provide good food to Americans. He believes that providing three nutritious meals a day to all Americans would solve obesity and diabetes overnight. The problem is that for many Americans the admonition to change your diet, eat less, and exercise more has failed to dent the problem. Why not give the country an avenue that shows a much better chance of success over the long term?
Bill Schmick is a founding partner of Onota Partners, Inc., in the Berkshires.
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Legal Notices 1/16/25
Jan 15, 2025
TOWN OF NORTH EAST, DUTCHESS COUNTY
NOTICE OF RECEIPT OF TAX BILLS AND WARRANT
TAKE NOTICE, that I, Elizabeth “ “Tilly” Strauss, the undersigned Collector of Taxes of the Town of North East, County of Dutchess and State of New York, have duly received the Tax Rolls and Warrant for the collection of property taxes within the Town of North East for fiscal year 2025. Collection of taxes will begin with the receipt of taxes through February 28, 2025 at the Town Hall, 19 N. Maple Ave, Millerton, New York, on the following days and times: Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; and FEBRUARY ONLY Fridays and Saturdays 9:00 a.m. - noon. Checks are to be made payable to “North East Tax Collector”.
TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that taxes may be paid on or before February 28, 2025 without penalty. All taxes received after that date shall have an added interest of 2% for the month of March, 3% for the month of April, and 4% for the month of May. In addition, after May 15th, a fee of $2.00 will be added for each parcel.
TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that after June 1st, 2025 all unpaid taxes will be turned over to Dutchess County Commissioner of Finance, 22 Market Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. Dated: January 3, 2025.
Elizabeth Strauss Town Clerk/North East
Tax Collector
01-16 -25
01-23-25
Legal Notice
GENERAL GEORGE LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 12/12/2024, Office location: DUTCHESS COUNTY, NY. SSNY is designated as agent upon which process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 4957 NY-22 Amenia, NY 12501. Purpose: any lawful.
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Legal Notice
Notice of formation of Timothy Capowski LLC.
Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on December 2, 2023. Office location: P.O. Box 785, 42 Maple Avenue, Millbrook, NY, 12545, Dutchess County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to the LLC: P.O. Box 785, 42 Maple Avenue, Millbrook, NY, 12545. Purpose: law practice (appellate litigation and consulting).
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Legal Notice
Notice of formation of limited liability company. Articles of Organization of BLACK BARN EVs LLC were filed on September 27, 2024 with the Secreretary of State of New York. The LLC has an office in Dutchess County, NY. The NY Sec of State is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against LLC may be served. The SSNY shall mail process to: 17 South Quaker Hill Road, Pawling NY 12564. The LLC does not have a specific date of dissolution. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act.
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PUBLIC NOTICE
The Pine Plains Fire District held its 2025 reorganization meeting on January 7, 2025 at the Pine Plains Fire House, 7 Lake Road, Pine Plains, NY. Regular monthly meetings in 2025 will be held at the Fire House on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00PM.
01-16-25
Legal Notice
Notice of Formation of Pretty Little Closet, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 11/15/24.Office location: Dutchess County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Crystal Smith 124 Sharon Road, Millerton, NY 12546. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.
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SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF DUTCHESS
NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, Plaintiff, -against- UNKNOWN HEIRS OF PATRICIA R. ANZALONE, if living, and if he/she be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or generally or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff ; BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF REAGAN’S MILL HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.; DISCOVER BANK; LVNV FUNDING LLC; ANTHONY ANZALONE; ROSEMARIE ANZALONE, MICHAEL F. ANZALONE, III; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, Defendants. INDEX # 2022-51944 Original filed with Clerk July 6, 2022 Plaintiff Designates Dutchess County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated in Dutchess County. Premises: 45 Riverdale Drive Wingdale, NY 12594. TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); the United States of America may appear or answer within 60 day of service hereof; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. Said Supplemental Summons and Amended Complaint are being filed pursuant to Court Order dated November 20, 2024.
STATEMENT OF THE NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT
This is an action to foreclose and mortgage dated March 22, 2016, executed by the Defendant, Patricia R. Anzalone, to Intercontinental Capital Group, Inc., to secure the sum of $289,682.00, which Mortgage was duly recorded in the Dutchess County Clerk’s Office on April 15, 2016 as Instrument Number 01-2016-2277. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this Summons and Complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: December 6, 2024 Uniondale, New York. Respectfully submitted, Pincus Law Group, PLLC. By: Linda P. Manfredi, Esq., Attorneys for Plaintiff, 425 RXR Plaza Uniondale, NY 11556, 516-699-8902
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Classifieds 1/16/25
Jan 15, 2025
Help Wanted
Part-time Bookkeeper: needed in Sharon. 407-620-7777.
Carpenter’s Helper: needed for local renovation/new construction business specializing in all phases of construction. Full-time. Pay to commensurate with experience. Must be dependable with reliable transportation. Good references a must. Call 860-309-5290.
Services Offered
Carpenter and tile setter: now offering handyman services. Over 35 years experience. 413-229-0260 or email at tylerhomeprop@yahoo.com.
Lamp repair and rewiring: Serving the Northwest Corner. 413-717-2494.
Hector Pacay Service: House Remodeling, Landscaping, Lawn mowing, Garden mulch, Painting, Gutters, Pruning, Stump Grinding, Chipping, Tree work, Brush removal, Fence, Patio, Carpenter/decks, Masonry. Spring and Fall Cleanup. Commercial & Residential. Fully insured. 845-636-3212.
ML Landscape & Construction: Offers new construction and renovations as well as hardscapes, lawn and patio services throughout northwest Connecticut and The Berkshires. Located locally In Salisbury. 413-717-2054 (Michael).
Antiques, Collectibles
MID CENTURY FURNITURE WANTED:1950’s-1970’s designer modern furniture and lighting. Danish, French, Italian and American design. Eames, Knoll, Herman Miller, Nakashima, Wegner, Noguchi Etc. Buying Vintage Porsche cars any condition. Open Air Modern 718.383.6465 info@openairmodern.com.
Real Estate
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: Equal Housing Opportunity. All real estate advertised in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1966 revised March 12, 1989 which makes it illegal to advertise any preference,: limitation, or discrimination based on race, color religion, sex, handicap or familial status or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All residential property advertised in the State of Connecticut General Statutes 46a-64c which prohibit the making, printing or publishing or causing to be made, printed or published any notice, statement or advertisement with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, age, lawful source of income, familial status, physical or mental disability or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.
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Shelea Lynn Hurley
Jan 10, 2025
WASSAIC — Shelea Lynn “Shalay” Hurley, 51, a longtime area resident, died peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, following a lengthy illness. Her husband, Michael, was at her bedside when Shalay was called home to be with God.
Born April 19, 1973, in Poughkeepsie, she was the daughter of the late Roy Cullen, Sr. and Joann (Miles) Antoniadis of Amsterdam, New York. Shalay was a graduate of Poughkeepsie High School class of 1991. On July 21, 2018 in Dover Plains, New York she married Michael P. Hurley. Michael survives at home in Wassaic.
Shalay was a beautiful soul who would do anything for anyone. She enjoyed crafting, making wreaths, spending time with her husband Michael and playing with their dog Autumn. Shalay was a longtime member of Faith Bible Chapel of Shekomeko in Millerton, where she made many friends over the years.
In addition to her husband Michael, her mother Joann (Nick) and her dog Autumn, Shalay is survived by three children, Rebekah Antoniadis, Brittany Holton (Tyler) and Jimmy Antoniadis; three brothers, Thomas Cullen, Roy Cullen, Jr. and Shaun Cullen; four grandchildren, Ioannia, Adaline, Aubrey and Chandler and several aunts and uncles and many friends. In addition to her father, Roy Sr., Shalay was predeceased by her daughter, Savannah, her foster parents, Mr. & Mrs. Murphy, her grandparents, several uncles and her dear in-laws, James and Shirley Hurley.
Calling hours will take place on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12.p.m. at the Scott D. Conklin Funeral Home, 37 Park Avenue, Millerton, NY. A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. at the funeral home. Pastor William Mayhew will officiate. A private burial will take place at Amenia Island Cemetery in Amenia, NY at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Kidney Fund, 900 Walt Whitman Road, Suite 304, Melville, NY 11747. To send an online condolence to the family, flowers to the service or to plant a tree in Shalay’s memory, please visit www.conklinfuneralhome.com
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