Generations
December 3, 2021 | Monthly News & Updates
COUNCIL ON AGING NEWS
Osceola Council on Aging Christmas Shop
Serving over 500 disadvantaged children in Osceola County.
In this season of giving, we are in need of toy donations for our Christmas Shop. We are seeking donations of new and unwrapped toys for all ages, especially for those 12-17 years old. All toys will be distributed to children from our disadvantaged families in our Community Action Programs.

For donations, please contact Jacqueline Perez at Perezj@osceola-coa.com or Belinda Olivera at Oliverab@oseola-coa.com.
Osceola Council on Aging's Senior Santa
The Council estimates more than 4,000 seniors in Osceola County are in need of nutrition and companionship during the Holidays. Thanksgiving and Christmas are fast approaching, and during this time the Council on Aging considers the needs of our cherished seniors. Are they safe, do they have enough food, will they be alone for the holidays? This year has been more challenging than we have faced in the last 49 years of providing services. COVID-19 has changed the way we live, provide services, and the funding needed to provide services. 
 
Many individuals and businesses such as yourself have stepped up to assist the Council on Aging during the pandemic. Unfortunately our work is not complete. Holidays can be a difficult time of year for those who live alone and have been isolated from family and friends, especially this year.
 
Since 1986 the Osceola Council on Aging has maintained one specific focus each holiday season: Making certain that no elderly person in our community spends the most joyous time of year alone. This year it is more important than ever to comfort our seniors and make sure they are cared for during the holidays. Our “Senior Santa” program provides the warmth, laughter and good nutrition vital to our seniors during the holidays.
 
Holiday Activities have been modified this year as we make every effort to keep our seniors safe. We hope that you (or your business) will consider adopting one or more Seniors in our Senior Santa program with a small contribution of $30. This year, your adopted senior will receive a special gift and a holiday dinner delivered by a caring community volunteer on Christmas Day.
 
Please join us in becoming a “Senior Santa” sponsor in making a difference in someone’s life today by completing and returning the enclosed response card with your donation or go to our website at www.osceolagenerations.org/senior-santa/

On behalf of all of our seniors, THANK YOU from the Osceola Council, on Aging for your generosity and support.
Osceola Council on Aging: Mercedes Car Raffle
Win A Car. Help Osceola Residents.

Wouldn’t this 2021 Mercedes GLA make an amazing family car? Buy a raffle ticket today and help the Osceola Council on Aging support our seniors, disabled adults, the disadvantaged and families in poverty. It all starts with a $25 donation.
Years ago getting donations was easy. Mail a bunch of people, and wait for the checks to arrive. Recently, with COVID19 we are finding it more difficult to attain donations to support our residents. Hosting this Mercedes car raffle will help replace the many fundraisers we were unable to host this year.

It’s a win-win!! The raffle will help subsidize needed donations, and one lucky donor gets a chance to WIN A CAR.

The odds of winning this Mercedes are better than winning the lottery. So why not give to a cause you believe in? If not interested in the Car Raffle you are welcome to just donate.

Here’s how it works:
  • There is no donation limit, so get as many raffle tickets as you want to enter to win – $25/ticket
  • Tickets are on sale now and will be sold until the drawing at Osceola County Council on Aging New Year's Eve on December 31st.
Osceola Council on Aging Testimonials:
"I want to thank everyone involved with not only our new flooring, but then to replace a broken exit door. It’s good knowing there are still wonderful people out there. God bless you and we will as we always do, pay it forward in one way or another.

-Rick Bednarz, Helping Homebound Heros Client


Our mission is to provide services to enable independence and self-sufficiency for seniors, disabled adults, the disadvantaged and families in poverty; and that's exactly what we do! If you have a testimonial and would like us to share it with the community, please feel free to submit them to perezj@osceola-coa.com. We will be sharing client testimonials monthly on our website and Facebook page.
Platinum Seal of Transparency

Our organization earned a 2021 Platinum Seal of Transparency!
Now, everyone can see our strategy, metrics, and achievements.

Check out our updated #NonprofitProfile on Candid: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/59-1595398
NEED ASSISTANCE?

You may qualify for assistance if you have a past due TOHO or St. Cloud Utilities bill.

  • You have not received Utility assistance from the Osceola Council on Aging within two years from now.
  • Your Household is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty level (see chart).

2021 Poverty Income Guidelines:
Family Size: Max Monthly Income:

1 Person - $2,147
2 Persons - $2,903
3 Persons - $3,660
4 Persons - $4,417
5 Persons - $5,173
6 Persons - $5,930
7 Persons - $6,687
8 Persons - $7,443
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Holiday
HEALTH & SAFETY
Strategies
  • #1 Wash hands often to help prevent the spread of germs. Wash your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds.
  • #2 Bundle up to stay dry and warm. Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: light, warm layers, gloves, hats, scarves and waterproof boots.
  • #3 Don't drink and drive or let others drink and drive. Whenever anyone drives drunk, they put everyone on the road in danger.
  • #4 Be smoke-free. Smokers have greater health risks because of their tobacco use, but nonsmokers also are at risk when exposed to tobacco smoke.
  • #5 Fasten seat belts while driving or riding in a motor vehicle. Buckle up every time and encourage passengers to do the same.
  • #6 Get exams, screening and vaccinations. Ask your health care provider what exams and vaccinations you need and when to get them.
  • #7 Practice fire safety. Don't leave fireplaces, space heaters, food cooking on stoves, or candles unattended. Replace light sets with broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires or loss connections. Keep plugs off the ground away from puddles and snow.
  • #8 Prepare food safely. Remember these simple steps: Wash surfaces often, avoid cross-contamination, cook foods to proper temperatures and refrigerate foods promptly.
  • #9 Eat healthy, stay active. Eat fruits and vegetables which pack nutrients and help lower the risk for certain diseases. Limit your portion sizes and foods high in fat, salt, and sugar. Also, be active for at least 30 minutes per day.
  • #10 Get your sleep. Adequate sleep promotes health and vitality and provides energy and brain power to our day. Adults need 7-9 hours per night.
  • #11 Stay hydrated. Adequate water is needed to support your immune system. Most adults need 8 or more cups per day.
  • #12 Manage holiday stress. Keep your commitments and spending in check. Get support from family and friends. Keep a relaxed and positive outlook.

In accordance with Federal Law and US Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis or race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all program.) to file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 800-795-3272 or 202-720-6382 (TTY) USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Understanding Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that consists of weakened bones and increased fracture risk. It's sometimes called a "silent disease" with few, if any, noticeable changes to your health to indicate you have it. In fact, the first indication of osteoporosis often is when a bone breaks.
Although it can strike at any age, osteoporosis mostly occurs in people over age 50. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, half of women and one in four men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis.
Taking steps to build bone health while you are young can literally make or break what will happen to your bones as you age. However, at every age, a healthful diet and regular weight-bearing exercise are important, helping to ensure bone tissue continues to build.

BONE HEALTH AND DIET
Bones may seem dry and dull, but they are far from it. They are constantly under construction; certain cells break down bone tissue and other cells use the calcium and nutrients from foods you eat to build new bone. If you are not physically active or getting the nutrition you need, bones will suffer — becoming less dense, weaker and more likely to fracture.

BONE-BUILDING NUTRIENTS
Calcium, the major nutrient needed to form new bone cells, is vital for bone health. Bones store more than 99% of the calcium in your body. Some calcium-rich foods include milk, yogurt and cheese, and calcium-fortified soy milk and fruit juice. Other good sources include soybeans, dark green leafy vegetables and calcium-fortified tofu. Calcium needs change at different stages of life:

  • Children ages 1 to 3 need at least 700 milligrams of calcium a day.
  • Children ages 4 to 8 need at least 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day.
  • Children ages 9 to 18 need at least 1,300 milligrams of calcium a day.
  • Adults ages 19 to 50 need at least 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day.
  • Women over age 50 and men over age 71 need at least 1,200 milligrams of calcium a day.

Calcium cannot build bones alone. It works with other nutrients including vitamin D, vitamin K, potassium and magnesium to increase bone density and strength.

FOODS VS. SUPPLEMENTS
Supplements can't duplicate what foods offer naturally. If you are not able or prefer not to drink milk, make sure you're eating plenty of non-dairy calcium-rich and calcium-fortified foods and beverages. Consult with your doctor about taking a calcium supplement with vitamin D, especially if you are a woman in menopause or post-menopause.

A registered dietitian nutritionist can help you choose the best supplement for your bones and talk with your health care provider to determine if you may be at risk for osteoporosis.



CALENDAR OF EVENTS

*Due to COVID-19 all regularly scheduled meetings are being held virtually by Zoom. For more information on meetings contact Janice Casler at caslerj@osceola-coa.com

Wednesday, December 1st- Executive Committee* 3:00 PM & Board of Directors* 3:30 P.M.
Thursday, December 16th - Finance Committee* 12:00 P.M.
WALL OF DONORS
Thank you to all of our donors. We are not able to get a photo of every donor but we thank you all the same.

We are so fortunate to have had so many of you reach out to us asking how you can help and what you can do to ensure our community is well cared for. As an essential business we provide meals and other services to members of the community in need.Your donations are more critical now than ever to ensure they continue to receive these services during this unprecedented time.

Our greatest needs are contributions, both monetary and grocery items, for our community food pantry. We are trying to keep up with the new demand and increasing needs to feed the community. Leveraging your monetary donations allows us to stretch your dollars to serve even more individuals.

Thank You!
DECEMBER'S NEWSLETTER SPONSORED BY
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Osceola Council on Aging | www.osceolageneration.org

Solicitation of Funds The Osceola County Council on Aging, Inc. #SC00067 has complied with the registration requirements of Chapter 496, F. S., Solicitation of Contributions Act. "A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE." 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com