Generations
October 1, 2021 | Monthly News & Updates
COUNCIL ON AGING NEWS
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.
Golden Anniversary Brunch: Few days left!!

Join Us VIRTUALLY from the comfort of your HOME or OFFICE as we CELEBRATE 50 YEARS of service in Osceola County. With 50 years of history in serving Osceola County seniors and their families, we have much to be thankful for. Along with celebrating our 50th Anniversary we are looking to raise awareness and support to continue serving the community for the next 50 YEARS!

DATE: Thursday, October 7, 2021
TIME: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
BRUNCH DETAILS: $15 for 1 Chicken & Waffle To Go Meal
Meal Pickup at the Council on Aging from 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

CATERED BY: Big John's Rockin' BBQ

**Proceeds benefit Osceola Council on Aging Programs**

"I became aware of the Council on Aging when my wife was volunteering in the Congregate Dining Program. A year later, I was hired onto the team and have enjoyed working at the Council on Aging. Working here helps keep me active and feeling useful. I consider everyone at the Council family to me. When I was in the hospital earlier this year, they were sending me well wishes and a speedy recovery."
Osceola Council on Aging Testimonials:
"Before moving to Osceola County, I was working for a local hospital with their clients. When I moved to Kissimmee, Florida, I wanted to donate my time to something similar. I am glad I found OCOA Meals on Wheels. Several years later, I still enjoy enlightening our senior's day and helping them feel safe and secure."

-Joe Waskelis, Meals on Wheels Volunteer


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.
Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month is a period from September 15 to October 15 in the United States for recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.

Here are 15 interesting facts About National Hispanic Heritage Month:

  1. In June 1968, California Congressman George E. Brown first introduced Hispanic Heritage Week to commemorate the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans, according to History.com.
  2. In 1987, U.S. Representative Esteban E. Torres of California proposed expanding the week-long observance to a month. He wanted more time to allow the nation to "properly observe and coordinate events and activities to celebrate Hispanic culture and achievement."....
Osceola Council on Aging Wishlist

We would like to introduce you to our new Osceola Council on Aging Wishlist. From time to time, we receive inquires with regards to both the agency and clients' needs. we have developed this wishlist to help you know what our needs are.

We greatly appreciated each and every one of you that have donated in the past and to those who would like to donate to help us better meet the needs in our community.
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?

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), provides financial assistance to low-income households in meeting the cost of home heating and cooling to Osceola County residents.

ELIGIBILITY 
You may be eligible if:
  • You are an Osceola Resident
  • Your Household is at or below 60% of the State Median Income (see chart). Effective October 1, 2021
  • You have a past due utility bill or been recently disconnected (For Crisis assistance only).

We will start taking applications again Monday, October 4th at 9:00 am.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Know and Understand
Breast Cancer
Risk Factors
  • Bring a woman
  • Aging
  • Family history
  • Being overweight
  • Changes in breast cancer-related genes
  • Started menopause after age 55
  • Having menstrual period before age 12
  • Taking estrogen and progesterone hormones in menopause for more than 5 years
  • Never giving birth or being older when first child was born
  • Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

Signs & Symptoms
  • New lump or mass in breast or underarm
  • Pain, discharge, irritation or dimpling
  • Red or flaky skin
  • Thickening or swelling
  • Any change in size or shape

Screening for early detection
  • Screening options include mammograms, regular self-breast exams, clinical exams, and yearly medical check-ups. Women between ages 50-74 should have a mammogram every two years

Reduce your risk
  • Limit alcohol and cut our smoking. One drink a day for women and two for men.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese increases your risk.
  • Move more. Exercise a minimum of 30 minutes per day.
  • Get your Zs. Lack of sleep may increase your risk.
  • Avoid cancer-causing chemicals. They interfere with normal body function
  • Eat like a Mediterranean. Fill your plate with a variety of vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil often. Choose fish over red meat.
  • Limit exposure to radiation. Only undergoing medical-imaging tests when absolutely necessary.

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.
Nutrition for Older Men

The Difference a Healthy Eating Style Can Make

Eating right can help keep your body and mind sharp and extend quality of life.. Older men need:

  • Calcium and Vitamin D
Older adults need more vitamin D and calcium than younger adults to help maintain strong and healthy bones. Calcium-rich foods include low-fat and fat-free dairy products, like milk and yogurt, as well as fortified foods and beverages, such as some cereals, non-dairy milks and 100% fruit juices. Dark green leafy vegetables and canned fish with soft bones are also sources of this important nutrient. Foods that provide vitamin D include fatty fish, like salmon, eggs and fortified foods and beverages. Three servings of dairy are recommended every day. If you take a calcium supplement or multivitamin, be sure to choose one that contains vitamin D.

  • Dietary Fiber
Fiber helps keep bowel functions normal and may influence digestive health by promoting the survival of good bacteria. Higher intakes of dietary fiber also have been shown to help decrease the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Many fiber-rich foods take longer to digest and can help keep you full longer. Men older than 50 need 30 grams of dietary fiber a day; good sources include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans and lentils. Try to make at least half your grains whole grains. Oatmeal, whole-wheat breads and pastas and whole-grain cereals can all be good sources. For products with a Nutrition Facts Label, such as cereals and breads, choose foods with at least 3 grams of dietary fiber per serving. Also aim to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables throughout your day.

  • Potassium
Increasing potassium intake along with decreasing sodium (salt) may lower your risk of high blood pressure. Sources of potassium include fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, sweet potatoes, spinach and white beans. Choose low-sodium foods and replace salt with herbs and spices to reduce your sodium intake.

  • Healthy Fats
Most of the fats you consume should come from heart-healthy unsaturated fats. Try extra-virgin olive oil, canola oil, walnuts, almonds and avocados. Saturated fat, which comes from sources such as meat and full-fat dairy, should be limited to less than 10% of calories.

Make Calories Count
Most older men cannot eat the way they did in their 20s and maintain a healthy weight. As men age, they typically become less active, lose muscle and gain fat. All of these things combined can cause metabolism to slow down. More physical activity is needed to keep metabolism up.
How many calories you need each day depends on your age, gender and activity level. The daily calorie needs for men over the age of 50 are approximately:

  • 2,000 to 2,200 calories if not active.
  • 2,200 to 2,400 calories if moderately active.
  • 2,400 to 2,800 calories if regularly active.

Despite needing fewer calories, the same or higher amounts of nutrients are required when we age. Including wholesome foods on a regular basis, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat or fat-free sources of dairy, whole grains and healthy plant-based fats will provide those nutrients and help to control calories.

It also will help to balance your calorie intake by getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Being physically active helps older men rev up metabolism, build and strengthen muscles, maintain bone health and increase energy levels. Physical activity also helps to lift your spirits.
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

Thursday, October 21st - Finance Committee* 12:00 P.M.
Wednesday, October 27th - Executive Committee* 3:00 PM & Board of Directors* 3:30 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!
OCTOBER'S NEWSLETTER SPONSORED BY
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