August is SMA Awareness Month. Many people have not heard of SMA and are not familiar with this disease, which is exactly why awareness months like this are needed. SMA (spinal muscular atrophy) is a disease that robs people of physical strength by affecting the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord, taking away the ability to walk, eat or breathe...

While New Jersey’s chain of lighthouses might not quite meet the biblical reference, they remain a dear part of our state’s landscape, providing a historical landmark, a practical safety signpost, and a romantic attraction...

Be sure to hydrate.

During the summer months, especially with our recent heat wave, it’s not hard to feel the need for water that is plentiful, free and safe to drink...

I have written recently about summer- and holiday-related activities, and it occurred to me that we share many of these events with our pets.

I have always believed in the dignity and protection of our pets and all animals. During my legislative career, I have been an unrelenting and vigorous sponsor and supporter of animal welfare legislation, especially for our domestic animals who often become members of our family. Legislative support of animal welfare laws that I have introduced or supported include...

Most of us tend to be increasingly active during the summer months as we travel more frequently, attend concerts and sporting events, and participate in other fun activities and adventures...

Economic progress doesn’t guarantee life, liberty or the pursuit of happiness. But it does create the social, cultural and personal conditions that help to position us as we try to attain our dreams while serving as positive, contributing members of our local communities...

It’s old, 243 years to be exact. It contains slightly more than 1,400 words — the length of a longish magazine article — its language might seem a bit dated, and if you held it in your hand, it might weigh a few ounces. It takes about nine minutes to read aloud...

Everyone in life will at some point become subject to a traumatic event. Where and how differs, but life has a way of placing us in these situations. Most people recover, but many find it much more difficult to do so. Indeed, according to government figures, about 8 million people have a particularly hard time recovering. That’s why June, and this day in particular, is an appropriate time to remind ourselves about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD.

June marks the celebration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBTQ) pride month. The significance of holding it in June is to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Riots when New York City Police raided the Stonewall bar in Greenwich Village. The police had routinely raided gay establishments, but after this episode, demonstrations erupted, drawing attention to the mistreatment of the gay community. Some have described the Stonewall incident as the “cradle” of the LGBTQ movement. Last week, after almost 50 years, New York’s Commissioner of Police apologized.

My father used to say that it's never too late to do anything you wanted to do. And he said, 'You never know what you can accomplish until you try.’ -- Michael Jordan

What makes a great father? The blueprint is different for everyone and is oftentimes shaped by our own particular life experiences and relationships. However, there are some common things that we can and should look to incorporate into our own unique brand of fatherhood.