Assemblyman Cymbrowitz takes care of District 45's Health

When Oswalt Heymann first came to work for District 45's Assemblymember in 2000 he expected to work for Lena Cymbrowitz. However, Assemblywoman Cymbrowitz, who was the first Sephardic Jew official in statewide office, passed away three short weeks later. She was just 43. "Nobody knew she was so seriously sick," Heymann says.

According to Heymann, whose job today is Chief of staff, the Assemblywoman, on her death bed, requested that her husband, Steven H. Cymbrowitz take over her position. In a special election held in the Fall of 2000, Cymbrowitz was elected to represent Brooklyn's Manhattan Beach, Sheepshead Bay, Brighton Beach, Kings Highway, Gerritsen Beach, Flatbush, Midwood, and Plum Beach.

Now in his tenth year of service, Cymbrowitz continues to advocate for what his late wife dedicated her time towards. The Assemblywoman was highly involved with health services, no surprise since the district which has the most senior citizens than any other in the city. Cymbrowitz understands first hand what its like to struggle with health.

Just three years ago the Assemblyman suffered from a stroke. It was because of the precautions his current wife took he was able to recover. Cymbrowitz wants his constituents to be healthy and not to have them or their relatives suffer from medical conditions that could have been prevented.

His office dedicates time to inform the community of the resources offered in order to prevent sickness and promote awareness.

Assemblyman Cymbrowitz works to make sure his constituents have access to medical care information year round. He has had dietians go to local elementary schools to speak to the children and their parents on ways to stay healthy and active. Cymbrowitz organizes health fairs during the summer and holds monthly screenings so people can be tested.

Ayaz Ahmed, manager of Emmon's Superrette, which is at the corner of Cymbrowitz's Sheepsheady Bay community office, explains, "During the summer there are fairs were people get checked and free things." At these fairs people have a great time and the opportunity to gain knowledge on staying healthy.