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"OSTOMY NEWS"
The Official Newsletter of the Ostomy Association of Greater Orlando
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APRIL 19TH MEETING
CANCELLED FOR OBVIOUS AND UNFORTUNATE REASONS
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Although our General Meeting is cancelled. We are still "Open for Business."
Even though our new website is still in the works, our old website remains up and running.
It has great links to ostomy related resources, as well as archives of our old newsletters.
If you just want to "chat," now's a great time to join our
OAGO Facebook page.
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Hello Everyone,
I hope this newsletter finds you all healthy and most likely very bored. Since a birdie told me last month that my message was short and sweet, I will keep up that trend this month too. Let's start by letting you all know that even though we are not having our meetings, we are still here if you have need of us. There are many ways that our group can connect with all of you, either by phone, email, or video conference so please drop us a line and we will get connected. We are working on putting together a Zoom or Google Meets virtual meeting for next week, so keep a look out for that email. Both of these sites are completely user friendly so anyone can do it, you click a link on your phone or computer and you are in. Stay safe and healthy and I hope to see you all soon.
Krista
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SPLIT PERSONALITY NEWSLETTER
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Due to the fact that our lives right now are a little out of the ordinary and the fact that we still don't have a new newsletter editor, this edition of Ostomy News contains both
serious ostomy information along with fun and nonsense.
We do not wish to offend, we just wish to make this journey a little easier.
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Our next "Pop Up" luncheon will be at a "Chez Home, S'il Vous Plaît." Since there are so many locations in our area, simply choose the one you like the best. We will be meeting on Wednesday afternoon between 11 AM and 3 PM, depending upon your new wake-up schedule. Since this is an upscale eating establishment, a dress code will be strictly enforced. Although pajamas are permitted, we do request that you wear bottoms. For the ladies, bras and makeup are not required, although brushing your hair or tying it back, is highly recommended.
The menu is diverse and creative. Although some items are backyard garden to table, others are back of the pantry to slightly post expiration date. The creativity in all the dishes is truly exceptional.
Please take pictures of your meal to share on our social media page.
Send photos and reviews to: support@oagohome.org.
The best photo and review will receive a gift certificate to an online food delivery service!
(Seriously!)
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NOTES FROM OUR LAST MEETING
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Our March Meeting was cancelled due to circumstances beyond control. However, work is still going on behind the scenes! Our president Krista is working on bringing us into the 21st century with our technology, vice-president Norma May, and secretary Kelli-Ann are updating our membership list. Jack is delivering needed ostomy supplies, and Shelley is calling to check-in with members who have no internet access. In addition, we are updating information about ostomy clinics and nurses (we have new ones!). We may soon have permission be able to deliver our literature, in pdf. form, directly to the hospitals. This will save us money and allow for greater distribution!
P.S. If you are bored, have access to the internet, and would like some OAGO "chores" to do, please contact us!
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Ostomy Supply Manufacturers and the Corona Virus
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If the stress of the Corona Virus wasn't enough, many ostomates experience the extra fear of finding themselves without supplies. To date, there doesn't seem to be a problem with either the manufacturing end or the suppliers' end. However, if you'd like to keep up with the latest information, you can "click" on items below.
Below are direct links to some of the major manufacturers and their response to the current virus.
If you get your supplies through:
This is not an endorsement; it is simply a different source of supplies. You may be able to buy additional supplies on
Amazon (appliances) or through
Etsy (apparel), but please be aware that ship dates may vary greatly, and right now it is "Caveat Emptor "(Buyer Beware).
We've also found a possible additional supply source. If you are familiar with this company, please let us know.
Perma-Type custom ostomy supplies. (This is not an endorsement.)
Challange! (Best Solution Wins a Prize!)
We have always been a resourceful bunch, but many of us are really taxing ourselves by imagining "what if..." How would you cleverly improvise if your ostomy supplies were temporarily unavailable? P.S. Duct tape is NOT recommended for direct contact with your skin!
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ARE OSTOMATES AT GREATER RISK FOR COVID-19?
Yes and No
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Having an ostomy per se, does not necessarily put us at higher risk. That being said, it is important to take into consideration, factors that might make it
seem that way.
Age matters. Although ostomy surgery can be performed on anyone, infants, teens, young adults, the average age of an ostomate is in his or her mid-sixties. This would clearly put a large number of us in the "elderly" category, even though we may live full, healthy, active lives. Two other major factors in covid vulnerability are heart disease and diabetes. Again, although they can occur at any age, they become more prevalent as we age (whether it is a result of genetics, medications, or lifestyle). We must also factor in pulmonary issues which can greatly increase risk. Many of us "Old Timers" grew up in an age when "making ashtrays" in school was a holiday tradition. And, although the stress of the world right now will make the task harder, the time to quit smoking has never been more crucial.
Ostomates are not "one size fits all." The ostomy itself might not be a risk factor, but the reason for getting one,
might be. According to Public Health England, people who have a compromised immune systems and/or long-term chronic illnesses are more vulnerable. This includes autoimmune diseases, which unfortunately, includes people with inflammatory bowel disease (too many of us know this first hand). In addition, those of us who have weakened immune systems, through long hospitalizations and/or chemotherapyb also face a higher risk. Again, our members are too well represented here.
And still more...Mental health matters. Studies have shown that those who suffer from depression or other mental illnesses are not as adept at warding off illness. Even though it is temporary, new ostomates often experience depression, whether it be the physiological mourning for a lost body part (subconsciously) or fear of the unknown of alternate pathways in their future.
It is
very sad that this article has to appear in our newsletter, but unfortunately, this is what we're dealing with right now.
You
can take precautions. By now you should all know what they are, however, to keep up with the most up-to-date information, check with the
Center for Disease Control.
There is
good news, although it may sound perverse. Do not look ahead into the future with fear and uncertainty, look instead to your past, with pride and
total certainty. We are ostomate warriors - proven warriors! We've literally had our "guts" pulled out and not only survived, but thrived. We are strong, kind of heart, and generous of spirit. We will do it again, and though we might be "social distancing" we will not do this alone.
So all my "old" (and young), sickly, and decrepit friends, remember that you are loved. We may be distanced by body - but we'll never be distanced by heart.
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A Little Bit of Slightly Inappropriate Humor!
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Once again, paying "homage" to our "seasoned" members!
Stay tuned for our May issue when we pick on all you "youngsters!
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BOREDOM CHALLENGE FOR APRIL 2020
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Choose any one (or all) of the following challenges. Send your "proof" to support@oaghome.org. The contenders will be published in our next newsletter. First prize will go to the best submission (by popular vote) and two additional entries will be selected at random for prizes.
1) Organize your ostomy supplies in an "aesthetically pleasing" way. Be creative!
2) Decorate an ostomy pouch. It can be funny, beautiful, clever - your choice. Take a picture!
(Extra points for "Bag, What Bag" pictures).
It’s true I might leave the "loo" smelly,
The aroma may turn legs to jelly.
But it just can be beat,
Not to sit on that seat,
I’m a star ‘cause I poop through my belly!
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Just a little detour this month. Click here to learn about the history of early ostomy appliances!
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UOAA United Ostomy Association of America
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The UOAA is an amazing resource for ostomy information and advocacy. We, at OAGO, are affiliate support group members (ASG). UOAA provides guidance, training, (conferences), and many of the wonderful articles you’ve read through the years in our newsletters. You can always access UOAA information through their website: www.ostomy.org. However, why not become an individual member?
Online Membership are only $25 annually. This entitles you to a one year online subscription to
The Phoenix magazine, an electronic version of the New Ostomy Patient Guide, and a UOAA membership pin. Members will also receive the monthly UOAA e-Newsletter (even better than ours!) and are entitled to vote in UOAA’s national elections.
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We have added a "Member News" section to our newsletter! Please E-mail any important life events: "stomaversaries," new jobs, birth announcements, impending surgeries, etc. to newsletter@oagohome.org. and we'll try to get the information into our next newsletter.
We are so glad to welcome home, and good health,
to Eileen Glasco and John Yeater!
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Thank you sponsors, donors, and advertisers. Your support of OAGO allows us to reach out to fellow ostomates and provide quality information and programs.
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Your Business Belongs Here!
(Special Rates for OAGO members)
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Phoenix Magazine is a fantastic publication for ostomates and their families.
Click above to find out more!
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Are you trying to contact us? Looking for an ostomy nurse? Supplier? Or, do you need a copy of our membership form? You can now access this information quickly and simply, by clicking the links below. From there, you can either save the documents to your computer or print them out to hang by your phone.
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