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VOL. 36 NO. 8
V.S. 13 marks Lunar New Year
amos Español
LIJVS hosts ‘Menstrual Equity Forum’ erty.” “It’s a pervasive problem,” Nelson said. “When you go to the bathroom, you expect to Periods are a natural part of life for millions of women, yet have toilet paper. This is part of your normal they remain a perhygiene and care, sistent source of b u t p e o p l e wh o financial strain and menstruate are social stigma, says expected to always Lissa Nelson, have these products employee health on hand, just in manager at Long case.” Island Jewish ValThe issue took ley Stream Hospicenter stage at tal. Despite being a Long Island Jewish “perfectly normal” Valley Stream Hosb o d i ly f u n c t i o n , pital’s Menstrual Nelson says women Equity Forum on l ive i n a wo rl d Feb. 8, where advowhere the health c at e s c a l l e d fo r needs of those who greater awareness menstruate are and access to menoften overlooked or s t r u a l p ro d u c t s. brushed awkwardThe following staly aside. tistics provide a But the toll is deeper look into a real. LISSA NELSON p ro bl e m t h at i s Menstrual prod- Health manager, both widespread ucts like tampons Long Island Jewish and is gaining puband pads are rising Valley Stream hospital lic attention. in cost and becoming more difficult 11.9 million people: to access. Meanwhile, gaps in Recent research indicates education and a lingering culthat approximately 11.9 tural taboo leave many without must-have infor mation or million menstruators in the resources. These barriers fuel United States struggle to access what experts call “period povContinued on page 10
By JUAN LASSO
jlasso@liherald.com
W
Melissa Baptiste/Herald
Cara Rostant, a Valley Stream South High School track-and-field standout and Manhattan College Hall of Famer, has come full circle by returning to coach the team that helped shape her athletic journey, and is now inspiring the next generation of athletes.
Rostant’s rise from track star to college Hall of Famer By JUAN LASSO jlasso@liherald.com
Cara Rostant’s impressive journey from Valley Stream South High School track-andfield standout to Manhattan College Hall of Famer has come full circle. A member of South High School’s class of 2009, Cara set the school record in the women’s 400-meters, captained her team, and was a key member of the 4×800-meter New York State Championship team. After setting school records and earning multiple championships in college, the 33-year-old returned to her roots in 2014 to coach the very team she once led. With her wealth of experience and passion for the sport, Cara now shapes the next
generation of athletes. In this Q&A, she reflects on her career, the lessons learned along the way, and how coaching has redefined her relationship with the sport. Q: Tell me how your track journey started? Rostant: Well, I guess I could start by saying that when I first got into track, I didn’t join right away. I could’ve actually joined the varsity team earlier, in seventh and eighth grade, if I had taken the testing. My gym teacher at the time, who recommended me to the varsity coach, Nicole Bertrami, thought I was ready. But, like any typical high school athlete, I was nervous. I didn’t want to be with the older kids, so I waited until ninth Continued on page 10
hen you go to the bathroom, you expect to have toilet paper . . . but people who menstruate are expected to always have these products on hand.
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