Osceola Woman Magazine Nov-Dec 2018 by Osceola Woman Magazine

November/December 2018

MAGAZINE

inside:

KEEPING YOUR HEALTH ON TRACK DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON AVOID THE NAUGHTY LIST Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Let the Holidays Ruin Your Credit

HOW TO BALANCE RECEIVING with GIVING WWW.OSCEOLAWOMAN.COM

NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2018

MAGAZINE

features A Case of Swollen, Aching Legs

Are you one of the millions of women hiding your legs because of bulging varicose veins and spider veins? Or, do you sometimes skip out on activities because of leg pain?

INDULGING DURING THE HOLIDAYS

10 15 20

While no one wants to rein in the fun during the merriest time of year, there are simple ways to keep your health on track during this indulgent holiday season.

Family How to Balance RECEIVING with GIVING Keep Pets Safe this Season

departments HEALTH A CASE OF SWOLLEN, ACHING LEGS p6-7 KEEPING YOUR HEALTH ON TRACK DURING THE INDULGENT HOLIDAY SEASON p10-11

LIFE & WORK

HOME & STYLE

YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY, GIVING THANKS AND SPENDING QUALITY TIME p12 AVOID THE NAUGHTY LIST DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T LET THE HOLIDAYS RUIN YOUR CREDIT p13 HOW TO BALANCE RECEIVING WITH GIVING p15-17 GET A JUMP START ON COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID p19 SEASONS p20

WHY IS INDOOR AIR QUALITY (IAQ) SO IMPORTANT? p26-27 RECIPES p28-29 CELEBRATION FOUNDATION 20TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY HOME TOUR p30

3RD ANNUAL VOICES OF HOPE GALA p22-24

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

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from the publisher

| VOL. 4 NO. 6 | OSCEOLAWOMAN.COM

NOV/DEC 2018

Dear Osceola Women,

MAGAZINE

Publisher JENA THREADGILL

(jthreadgill@osceolawoman.com)

The most anticipated time of the year is upon us. THE HOLIDAYS! What are the clues? All of us are talking food, new and old family recipes, traditions, family gatherings, shopping, parties, scheduling to see out of town friends and family, shopping for the perfect gifts, decorating, still shopping, making lists after list, wrapping gifts and baked goods, finding the perfect tree and it goes on and on… By time the actual day arrives: Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s we are so worn out that we cannot enjoy all that we have worked so hard for.

Art Director AMY POSADAS Contributing Writers BLANCA TAYLOR GARY BORGMAN, DVM

do an Act of Kindness every day of our lives, not just November and December. It can be something as small as a smile or nod of the head. WE ALL HAVE LOVE IN OUR HEARTS. Our world needs more kindness and it begins with us. Wishing all our readers, advertisers, family and friends a fantastic holiday season. Please be safe and enjoy.

Until next time,

Let me challenge each of you to SLOW DOWN – take a breath, enjoy yourself, family, friends and remember what the holidays really represent. Thanksgiving is the expression of Gratitude and to be Thankful; Christmas is to Celebrate Christ’s Birth and New Year’s is a New Beginning. I challenge each of you to make a pledge to try and

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SHEILA SHIRAH SANDI SCHWARTZ STATEPOINT Administrative Assistant EVADNE GANNARELLI Distribution Manager ALYSEN TERWILLIGER PO BOX 701644 ST CLOUD, FLORIDA 34770

407.891.9771 WWW.OSCEOLAWOMAN.COM FACEBOOK.COM/OSCEOLAWOMANMAGAZINE AVAILABLE AT: CELEBRATION Celebration Hospital Walgreens POINCIANA Walgreens Poinciana Medical Center HARMONY Pro Health SOLIVITA The Bistro

ST. CLOUD Walgreens Chimento’s Spaghetti House Sincerely Yours St. Cloud Civic Center Victor Russell’s Hair Salon St. Cloud City Hall Q Bellas CF Fitness DaVita Medical Group

KISSIMMEE Walgreens Breck’s Gourmet Cookies Fat Boy’s Bar-B-Q Kissimmee City Hall City Centre DaVita Medical Group Osceola County Property Appraiser’s Office Pizza City

OSCEOLA WOMAN MAGAZINETM IS PUBLISHED BIMONTHLY AND IS AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE, BY SUBSCRIPTION, DISPLAY STANDS IN APPROVED PRIVATE AND PUBLIC ESTABLISHMENTS AND AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTORS ONLY. TRADEMARK AND U.S. COPYRIGHT LAWS PROTECT OSCEOLA WOMAN MAGAZINETM. NO PART OF THIS MAGAZINE MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER. OSCEOLA WOMAN MAGAZINETM IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY EDITORIAL COMMENT (OTHER THAN ITS OWN), TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS FROM ADVERTISEMENTS SUBMITTED AS CAMERA-READY OR ANY REPRODUCTIONS OF ADVERTISEMENTS SUBMITTED AS CAMERA-READY. IF AN ADVERTISEMENT DOES NOT MEET OUR STANDARDS OF ACCEPTANCE, WE MAY REVISE OR CANCEL IT AT ANY TIME, WHETHER OR NOT IS HAS BEEN ALREADY ACKNOWLEDGED AND/OR PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED. THE ADVERTISER ASSUMES SOLE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ALL STATEMENTS CONTAINED IN SUBMITTED COPY AND WILL PROTECT AND INDEMNIFY THE OSCEOLA WOMAN MAGZINETM, ITS OWNERS, PUBLISHERS, AND EMPLOYEES AGAINST ANY AND ALL LIABILITY, LOSS OR EXPENSE ARISING OUT OF CLAIMS FOR LIBEL, UNFAIR TRADE NAMES, PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETY RIGHTS, AND ALL VIOLATIONS OF THE RIGHT OF PRIVACY OR OTHER VIOLATIONS RESULTING FROM THE PUBLICATION BY THIS MAGAZINE OF ITS ADVERTISING COPY. PUBLISHER SHALL BE UNDER NO LIABILITY FOR FAILURE, FOR ANY REASON, TO INSERT AN ADVERTISEMENT. PUBLISHER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE BY REASON OF ERROR, OMISSION AND/OR FAILURE TO INSERT ANY PART OF AN ADVERTISEMENT. PUBLISHER WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR DELAY OR FAILURE IN PERFORMANCE IN PUBLICATION AND/OR DISTRIBUTION OF ALL OR ANY PORTION OF AN ISSUE IS DELAYED OR SUSPENDED FOR ANY REASON. THE PUBLISHER WILL EXERCISE REASONABLE JUDGMENT IN THESE INSTANCES AND WILL MAKE ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE ADVERTISER WHERE AND WHEN APPROPRIATE. OSCEOLA WOMAN MAGZINETM ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR UNSOLICITED MATERIAL OR REPRODUCTIONS MADE BY ADVERTISERS. THIS MAGAZINE WILL BE PUBLISHED BY THE 15TH OF EVERY OTHER MONTH. THE OPINIONS OF OUR AUTHORS DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE OPINIONS OF OSCEOLA WOMAN MAGAZINETM, OUR PUBLISHER, OUR EDITORIAL TEAM AND/OR OUR ADVISORY BOARD. THE AUTHORS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT OF THEIR SUBMITTED MATERIAL.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

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HEALTH

A CASE OF

Swollen, Aching Legs A couple months ago, a mom of three, who is a full-time nurse and enjoys outdoor activities, visited Hannum Vascular Clinic to seek relief from swelling and cramping sensations in her legs. She expressed her desire to spend more time with her family after work, but at the end of a workday, her legs and feet would be so swollen and painful it reminded her of when she was pregnant. She couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to get home to elevate her legs. She mentioned her mother also suffered with the same symptoms and had large ropey veins on her legs. 6 osceolawoman.com | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

After the initial consult at Hannum Vascular Clinic, she was setup for an in-office ultrasound to evaluate her leg veins and arteries and properly diagnose her.

Her ultrasound revealed a common condition in her veins called, Chronic Venous Insufficiency. This condition affects over 30 million people in the USA, majority being women. As blood flows through a vein, cup-like

valves open to allow blood through, then close to prevent backflow, which pushes blood towards the heart. Due to a variety of factors including hereditary, previous pregnancies, weight gain, and trauma, the cup-like valves no longer close as tight as they once did, causing the blood to leak back down towards the lower leg and feet. This can cause bulging varicose veins and spider veins, swelling, aching, restless legs at night, tingling sensations, and sometimes non-healing sores on the legs and feet.

After the lady was educated on the disease and treatment options available, she decided to have the vein closure procedure. This minimally invasive treatment uses radio-frequency and/ or laser ablation, is performed in-office, covered by majority of insurance plans, and requires no down time for recovery. Many years ago, the way to treat veins was by vein-stripping, a much more complicated, risky surgical procedure. Medical technology is far more advanced these days. During the vein closure procedure, a patient is awake the entire time and in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Dr. Hannum administers a numbing agent, to provide an added level of comfort. The procedure is complete within an hour and the patient walks out of the room with a compression dressing.

Majority of patients express great satisfaction for how much better their legs and feet feel. When the lady retuned for her follow-up visit, she said she is now able to spend more time doing the things she loves like jogging, bike riding, and playing with her kids. Sounds like a great future is lined up for her and her family!

Are you one of the millions of women hiding your legs because of bulging varicose veins and spider veins? Or, do you sometimes skip out on activities because of leg pain? Visit our website at www.HannumVascular.com to learn more. Scott Hannum, DO, Vascular Surgeon Hannum Vascular Clinic & Cosmetic Vein Center Office: 407-518-4982 720 W. Oak St. #309, Kissimmee, FL 34741 1879 Nightingale Ln, #B2, Tavares, FL 32778 www.HannumVascular.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

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HEALTH Keeping You r

Health on T

ck During the In dulgent

Holiday Sea son The holiday season can be an indulgent one, full of cookies, candies, heavy meals and eggnog. While no one wants to rein in the fun during the merriest time of year, there are simple ways to keep your health on track during this indulgent holiday season.

Stick to Routines.

To the best of your ability during this hectic time of year, attempt to stick to routines that promote wellness. Set a bedtime and honor it. Hit the gym. Meditate. Do whatever it is that keeps you grounded and feeling your best.

Drink Up.

Many people associate dehydration with the warmer months. But in winter weather it can be especially easy to forget to

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stay well-hydrated, especially when you’re indulging in alcoholic beverages at all those holiday parties. Remember, water doesn’t need to be the only source of hydration you think about this season. Soups and purees made from hearty winter vegetables, as well as citrus fruits do the trick, too, and their nutritional properties can help keep you healthy in winter.

Keep Things Organically Sweet.

Staying on track doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the sweetness of the season. Instantly boost the flavor

of your favorite meals with organic honey. One great option is Organic Honey In The Raw. USDA Organic Certified and Non-GMO Project Verified, it’s made from pure nectar collected from exotic wildflowers found in the remote Caatinga region of northeast Brazil. The handharvested, sustainable honey is raw (never heated above 117 degrees) and unfiltered, so it retains the benefits of bee pollen.

And just one tablespoon of organic raw honey provides the right amount of sweetness and flavor for any dish or drink, including yearround staples like oatmeal, yogurt, tea, and more. You can also consider giving a honey makeover to all your favorite holiday recipes, including glazes and sauces for meat and poultry, cocktail recipes, and of course baked treats.

Make Substitutions.

Other healthful substitutions you can make this holiday season include topping pies with Greek yogurt instead of cream, using apple sauce in place of oil and nut flour instead of white flour in baking, and serving vegetable mash as an alternative to mashed potatoes.

Be Mindful.

The holiday party circuit can be dangerous when it comes to making nutritious choices. When you enter a party with a buffet set-up, it can be tempting to reach for the richest foods first. Before indulging in the canapes and Swedish meatballs, try filling up a plate with veggies first. While you’re doing so, get a good look at all the options available. This way, you’ll be more likely to savor choice items you’ll truly enjoy. A jolly holiday season doesn’t mean you must pack on pounds or feel under the weather. By keeping your health on track throughout this indulgent time of year, you can start 2019 with your best food forward.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

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life &

WORK

YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY,

giving thanks and

spending quality time

| By Blanca Taylor |

In November, millions of families gather to give thanks, share a meal, and spend time together. Sometimes it’s hard to ﬁnd the time to get together, so you want to make every second with the ones you love count. Social Security understands that your time is valuable whether you’re working, running your business, or taking time oﬀ to be with family and friends.

We put a lot of time and effort into making my Social Security a resource you can depend on — an online tool that saves time and allows you to spend more of it on what you like to do. Even if you’re currently receiving benefits, or aren’t quite ready to file, Social Security has services to bring you and your family holiday cheer. With a my Social Security account, those receiving benefits can change their address and direct deposit information, get proof of their benefits, and request replacement documents like a Medicare card. If you aren’t currently getting benefits, you can still check your earnings record, get estimates of your future benefits, and view your Social Security Statement. In many states, you can even request a replacement Social Security card online. See everything you can do with a my Social Security account and open one today and at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

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Remember, you don’t need a my Social Security account to: • Select or change the way you receive information from Social Security if you are blind or visually impaired at www. socialsecurity.gov/people/blind. • Block electronic and automated telephone access to your personal information at www. socialsecurity.gov/blockaccess. • Apply for extra help with your Medicare prescription drug plan costs at www. socialsecurity.gov/extrahelp. Whether you’re waiting for the turkey to roast or just waiting for company arrive, our online services are open 24 hours a day, allowing you to access them on your schedule. There’s no need to stand in line or wait on the phone at www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices.

So this holiday, don’t just pass the gravy, pass on this wealth of information to the ones you love.

AVOID THE

WORK

life &

Naughty List Don’t Let the Holidays Ruin Your Credit

Looking for the “perfect gifts,” paired with enticing retail discounts and deals, can pressure holiday shoppers to spend more than they can afford. As a result, consumers may max out credit card limits or miss payments, negatively affecting credit scores. In addition, store credit cards may offer instant discounts that are tempting at the register -- but that new application could decrease your credit score.

Not having enough money for presents and the strain holiday shopping puts on their finances are big causes of anxiety for many consumers, according to a recent Experian survey. However, many of these same consumers seem to be on the right track: in the survey, respondents listed several smart financial resolutions, including 28 percent who want to improve their credit scores, while almost 50 percent said saving more was a New Year’s resolution. But understanding how your credit score is calculated is critical. With this mind, here are some key factors: • PAYMENT HISTORY: Accounting for roughly a third of your credit score, paying loans on time is crucial; too many late payments can decrease your score. • Balance: You never want your credit card balance to be higher than 30 percent of your credit limit -- on a single card and across all of them. Keep balances low to keep your score high. • CREDIT HISTORY: Those who’ve never used credit before will likely have a low score, or no score at all, while credit accounts that have been active for a long time reflect positively on your score, as does a healthy mix of accounts, such as having a mortgage, a few credit cards and auto loans. • STAYING OUT OF HOT WATER: Many people believe that financial transactions like rent, utility and

telecommunications payments impact credit scores, but in fact, these are not factored in by many scoring companies. However, if you don’t pay bills and they get turned over to a collection agency, this could affect your credit score. Severely delinquent accounts are often reported to the credit bureaus. “While it’s fun to give to others during the holidays, make sure to give yourself the gift of not getting into debt,” says Rod Griffin, director of Public Education at Experian. “Stick to a shopping budget. Only use credit cards for an amount you can pay off and pay the bill in full on time. You’ll lose your cheer quickly after the New Year if you face a mountain of debt.” A positive credit profile and history of using credit smartly can open up financial opportunities, like getting a car loan or home mortgage. There are clear benefits to building your credit file, but if you don’t build it responsibly those gains won’t be felt. To plan for the holidays and 2019, visit experian.com/ education for information about credit scores, as well as personal finance tips. “Credit is a tool to be used wisely,” adds Griffin. “If you check your credit score regularly and make strategic decisions on when and how much credit to use in the short-term, it will benefit you when you absolutely need credit to make a large purchase or for an emergency expense.”

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

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Giving Osceola Many Reasons To Smile For Over 20 Years

U E YO HAVRD THE HEA EWS! N

NEW PATIENTS AND EMERGENCIES WELCOME EVENING APPOINTMENTS FINANCING AVAILABLE PERSONALIZED SERVICE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

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Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

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Since 1988, the Florida Lottery has contributed over $33 billion and counting to our public education system and has sent over 775,000 students to college and beyond on Bright Futures Scholarships. Every time you play, you grant Florida’s brightest the opportunity to achieve their dreams and ultimately boost the state’s economy, all while funding the next generation of students. Follow @ﬂoridalottery on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube to learn more about our commitment to education.

14 osceolawoman.com | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

life &

WORK

How to Balance

RECEIVING with GIVING

One of the key challenges of

HOLIDAY TIME is that our children get so used to receiving oodles of gifts that they begin to expect that they will always get more and more. But have you noticed how quickly they lose interest with many of the toys they receive during the holidays? Showering our children with gifts every year can end up being detrimental if they become numb to the excitement of gifts, and if they only focus on the receiving side of the holidays. There are several ways that we can instill some balance so that our children learn to appreciate what they receive while also giving to others.

S EXPRESUDE GRATIT Gratitude is one of the most important ways for us to get a happiness boost, providing us with so many wonderful psychological, physical, and interpersonal benefits. It improves our health, reduces stress, and helps us focus on the positive aspects of life. Teaching our kids how to step back and be thankful for what they have will keep them grounded and help them realize just how lucky they are to be receiving toys and other gifts at holiday time.

everyone to say how grateful they are for each gift and why it is so meaningful to them. Finally, one of the most popular and effective ways to express gratitude is through journaling. It encourages our kids to acknowledge the positive moments in their day, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Consider giving them their own gratitude journal this holiday season so they have the perfect place to record what they are thankful for, including their holiday gifts and other special moments throughout the year.

You can encourage your kids to express their gratitude for the gifts they receive by writing thank you notes to friends and relatives. You can also go around the dinner table and invite

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

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life &

WORK

LEARNLESS THAT ORE IS M

How many dolls does one little girl really need? If you dig through your childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s old toys, you may be taken aback by how many of each item they actually have: multiple puzzles, games, cars, trucks, plastic figures, and art supplies. It never ends.

When they are showered with too many presents, it reduces the interest value of each toy very quickly. According to Kim John Payne in Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids, kids who are inundated with toys are so overwhelmed that they are unable to play by themselves and can even develop focus issues. It is so important to teach our children how to pick and choose a few special gifts that they would like and to not go overboard. Parenting coach Carla Naumburg developed a fabulous poem to inspire

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the types of presents to give to children for the holidays that helps make each gift meaningful. This approach goes beyond just the obvious toys that children typically want, allowing both parents and children to be more creative with gifts. Something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read. Something to see, something to spare, something to cook, something to share.

E CHOOSNCES EXPERISE TUFF OVER

Research over the last decade shows that experiences make us happier than possessions. Instead of always giving our kids gifts that they can hold in their hand, why not try a new experience that will provide them with a memory for a lifetime? It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be an expensive family vacation to Disney World; it can be a simple activity close by that you can enjoy together. Here are some ideas that your kids will love:

• Enjoy nature by visiting a zoo or garden, going camping or hiking, spending a day at the beach, or trying out skiing or snowboarding. • Show them the excitement of the city by visiting historical monuments, exploring museums, going out to a fancy restaurant, or attending a concert or sporting event. • Expand their knowledge by signing them up for an art class, cooking class, music lesson, science event, or computer course.

The holiday season can quickly turn into a shopping spree if we are not careful. But this is a particularly critical time of year to remember those who are not able to celebrate the holidays like we are with piles of gifts. December is the perfect time to clean out the playroom and practice some giving. Spend some time each year going through every nook and cranny to weed out the old toys before you bring in the new ones. Ask your children to collect piles of items to recycle, throw away, and donate. When the children choose from their own pile of toys, they gain a powerful hands-on experience to learn about that balance between giving and receiving.

GIVE TLOESS THOSEUNATE FORT

After you do this exercise a few times, your kids will automatically realize that no matter what new gifts they receive, they will choose some that they no longer play with to give to children who may not get any presents at all. This is a habit that everyone can easily add to their holiday traditions. You can also start to encourage your children to forgo a new gift or two to purchase items for those in need. Look for a holiday toy drive in your community to support and take your kids along with you to purchase the items and to deliver them to the charity.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

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Osceola Catholic Schools Preparing students for life-long success. Highly qualified, certified, and effective teachers Academic growth and development Faith-based enriched learning Fun and exciting extracurriculars Personalized and caring learning environment

Call us today to schedule a campus tour!

Holy Redeemer Catholic School 1800 W. Columbia Ave, Kissimmee, FL (407) 870-9055 www.holyredeemerkissimmee.org

18 osceolawoman.com | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School 800 Brown Chapel Rd., St. Cloud, FL (407) 957-1772 www.stacschool.com

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WORK

Get a Jump Start on

COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID With the changing leaves and autumn chill come a few staples students can count on: fresh notebooks, fall festivals, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students heading to college next year, returning college students, and grad students can already get started on the FAFSA for academic year 2019-20, which opened for applications on Oct. 1, 2018. Completing the FAFSA is the most important step to qualify for $150 billion available in financial aid including grants, work-study, and federal student loans.

expedite the process by getting prepared. Both parents and students should create a username and password -- a Federal Student Aid ID -- and gather Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, bank statements, tax returns and W-2 forms.

What’s more, completing the FAFSA early is critical because some aid is awarded first come, first served. In addition, schools use it to assemble financial aid packages, states use it to determine eligibility for state aid, and it’s required for many scholarship applications. To help your family prepare to complete the FAFSA, Sallie Mae, the nation’s saving, planning and paying for college company, is offering the following tips: • Be first in line. The earlier families fill out the FAFSA, the better their chances of being in line for aid. Also, those who complete and submit the FAFSA early will receive their Student Aid Report sooner and may receive financial aid award letters from schools earlier. • Bring the basics. Before beginning the application,

• Get connected. New this year, students and families can complete the FAFSA using the myStudentAid app on any Android or Apple device. Regardless of what device you use, remember that it’s always free, so watch out for sites that charge fees or make promises that sound too good to be true. Students can reduce the risk of identity theft by keeping their Federal Student Aid ID confidential and reporting any suspected fraudulent account activity immediately.

• Sync up. Using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool can expedite the process by automatically syncing and populating tax return information into the FAFSA. Note: the IRS Data Retrieval Tool is currently only available for those completing the FAFSA at fafsa.gov. • File every fall. Complete the FAFSA as a high school senior, and every year in college and graduate school. Filing a new FAFSA each year is the only way to remain eligible for federal student aid, and the amount of aid can vary yearover-year. Learn more by accessing free online resources, tips, tools, videos and more, available at salliemae.com/fafsa. “For high school seniors and returning college students, the time to start thinking about next year is now,” says Martha Holler, senior vice president, Sallie Mae. “The simple act of completing the FAFSA can translate into thousands of dollars to pay for college, but it’s critical to start the process early so you don’t miss out.”

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

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life &

WORK

Seasons

| By Dr. Gary A. Borgman |

As I write this article, we are winding up the summer heathumidity-hurricane season and rapidly approaching the seasons of Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year. I have been requested to answer a question from one of our readers: “Is it okay to give special treats to pets during special times?” My answer is “it depends”. Candy, especially chocolate is never appropriate. Some candies contain zylitol, an artificial sweetener which should never be given to pets. Zylitol can drastically lower the blood sugar resulting in weakness and even seizures. Chocolates contain stimulants which can be dangerous to the heart. Another common treat is from the human table. As a general rule I advise against giving pets human foods, especially high-fat or fried foods. These items can induce gastritis (vomiting) and secondary acute pancreatitis. Any inflammatory condition within the organs of the abdomen can result in a painful pancreatitis, which may require hospitalization and supportive IV fluid therapy and anti-emetic and pain relieving medications.

I suggest creating treats from canned dog/cat food by baking small portions in the oven. Of course there are many choices for commercial treats and this is generally better than “people food” from the table. Many pet owners like to give vegetables such as green beans, or carrots. Boiled white chicken is usually well tolerated by pets. The only problem is that this practice creates a craving for chicken. Many small dogs will eat only chicken and this is not a balanced or nutritionally adequate diet. I always advise to never offer bones to dogs. I once was presented a very senior patient with an uncomfortable abdomen who had eaten a large quantity of chicken bones from the garbage can. X-rays revealed a stomach full of small chicken bones. Fortunately the fully cooked bones were fresh so there was no spoiled food to result in bacterial food poisoning. This patient was very senior, had a major heart murmur and was a poor and risky surgery candidate. It was not vomiting so we elected to wait it out and after a couple days, the bones were digested and absorbed. This patient lucked out. Ingestion of bones is not always so good an outcome.

Bones can be lodged in the mouth, pharynx and esophagus. If they make it to the stomach, they may be eventually digested and absorbed but they may remain or get lodged in the small or large intestines, necessitating an emergency surgery. As a general rule, if the patient is not vomiting, and is eating, they will probably be okay without surgical intervention. Since we are approaching the holiday season, this is often a time to get a puppy or kitten. I have written extensively on selecting new puppies and kittens. I think the most important assurance of getting a healthy pet is to always ask anyone selling a young animal for a certificate of veterinary examination and vaccination. We usually issue these certificates for puppies and kittens at 7-8 weeks of age. This is the best age to leave their mother for a new home. State law requires this certification for all sales in Florida. The adoption and shelter organizations will also provide documentation of examination, parasite treatments and vaccinations given. Many puppies and kittens are sold privately without this documentation.

The veterinarians and staff of Kissimmee Animal Hospital (Tel 407-846-3912) and Poinciana Pet Clinic (Tel 407-518-0880) are available to answer your questions about treats for pets and new puppy/kitten health issues. We are here to help and to serve.

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MAGAZINE

WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A

Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas AND

Happy New Year!

DATES COMING SOON FOR OUR 2019 Women of Influence Luncheons!

life &

WORK 3RD ANNUAL

Voices of Hope GALa “There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home, there’s no place like home!” You probably just envisioned Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz squeezing her eyes shut and clicking her heels together, wishing to return home to Kansas. While Dorothy was longing for her actual home, “home” unfortunately does not always exist for a child. The Guardian ad Litem Program understands and embodies this, which is why “No Place Like Home” was recently the theme of the 3rd Annual Voices of Hope GALa, held on October 6th at The Omni Resort at Championsgate. The Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) Program provides volunteers to children who are removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. There are currently over 35,000 children in the state of Florida who

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are abused or neglected, and of these 28,000 are in Dependency Court. Osceola County alone has over 500 children currently in our Dependency system, and of those there are 150 who do not have a volunteer GAL assigned to their case. So, what exactly is a GAL and what do they do for these children? Well, a GAL

becomes a champion for their child. Children who are placed in foster care often move from home to home. When a child has a GAL they know they have a constant person in their life-someone who can be their rock, no matter how many foster homes they go through or how many case workers they are assigned. GALs are an advocate for the child in both court and the community, helping to ensure they are receiving assistance and support and keeping their best interests at heart while also serving as a mentor and a role model. Alan Abramowitz, Executive Director of the Florida Guardian ad Litem Program, is quoted on the GAL Osceola website stating “We can all work to pave a positive path to a child’s future of hope and emotional security. Making a positive difference in the life of a child is one definition of legacy.”

Voices for Osceola Children, founded in 1991, along with its generous supporters, helps to financially support the volunteer efforts. The annual Voices of Hope GALa serves as their fundraiser to raise both money and awareness within the community. This year, there were over 450 people in attendance. DeAnna Gassert stated “This year’s theme “There’s No Place Like Home” was very special to us, because not all of our children find their forever home.”. The amount of time, planning, effort, and passion which went into coordinating the Voices of Hope GALa was both evident and astounding. The night began with testimonies of children who have been forever positively impacted

When a child has a GAL they know they have a constant person in their life-someone who can be their rock, no matter how many foster homes they go through or how many case workers they are assigned. by the GAL program, speaking of how their GAL influenced their life, gave them a voice within the court system, and made sure that they knew without a doubt that they matter and that they are important. In addition to the glimpse into how valuable the GAL program is, the night consisted of a delicious dinner, an abundance of silent auction items, and a casino area with blackjack, roulette, and poker tables where you played for the chance to win raffle tickets to enter to win anything from trips

to places such as Panama and Antigua, to massages, to tickets to various theme parks and attractions (and so much more). Thanks to the enormous dedication of the volunteers and generous sponsors, the event raised over $120,000 this year. 100% of the proceeds go to Voices for Osceola’s Children 501c3, directly benefitting the foster children in the GAL program. In addition to raising vital funds, the GALa brought a new wave of awareness to the Guardian ad Litem program and the impact just one person can have on the life of a child, right here within our own community. Vanessa Bauknight, Assistant Director of the Guardian ad Litem Program, said “We are so grateful

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

| osceola woman.com

life &

WORK 3RD ANNUAL

Voices of Hope GALa to the Voices for Osceola’s Children and the community for coming together and supporting the GAL Program and the abused, abandoned, and neglected children we represent.”

24 osceolawoman.com | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

The hardworking committee of volunteers who poured their hearts and souls into making the event a raging success consisted of Holly LaRosa, DeAnna Gassert, Tawnie McMorrow, Jena Threadgill, Marcy Theobald, Tiffany Licata, Courtney Daniels, Lauren Ingram, Justina Bauknight, Tina Campbell, Sue Vasquez, Leslie Hanna, Vanessa Bauknight, and Lesley Scott. Their tireless work and dedication combined with the support

and generosity of the event sponsors was evident and heartwarming. Interested in becoming a GAL? To do so, you must be at least 21 years old, pass a criminal background screening, complete 30 hours of training, and make a commitment of at least one year. There is no experience necessary, and as a GAL you must make a minimum of one visit every thirty days. On average it only takes about 5-7 hours of your time per month, and in return you get to reach out to a child and touch their life forever. For an application or brochure, you can visit galosceola. org. For additional GALa information, pictures, and sponsorship opportunities you can visit voicesofhopegala. com, and like the Voices for Osceola’s Children, Inc. Facebook page.

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Why is

BLACK INDOOR AIR

QUALITY (IAQ)

so Important?

Did you know that the air that comes into your home is full of germs and allergens? Did you know there is a way to control those germs/ allergens from entering your home? The benefits from IAQ can change your life forever!

WHAT IS IAQ? Indoor Air Quality is what you are being exposed to inside a building or home. Air is pulled from the outside into the structure you are in. If the air contains germs or allergens such as the flu, pollen, or anything that could be deemed unhealthy, it has the chance to contaminate the inside air. IAQ controls these things from entering the location you are in by purifying the air before it enters the building or home. IAQ comes in many forms but the more common one is a UB bulb thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s placed into the coil of your current HVAC system. This bulb burns off and kills any germs or allergens before entering which gives you cleaner air to breath in.

26 osceolawoman.com | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF IAQ? 1. Easy breathing Breathing is an effortless action to most, not even realizing when you are taking a breath. But did you know the quality of the air you are taking in determines everyday activities such as walking, going up stairs, anything you are doing? If at home, you are taking in impure air and will notice that you can get winded easier. By adding IAQ to your home HVAC system, you will be taking in much purer air, therefore helping you in your everyday activities. The cleaner the air, the easier it is to take breaths and give your body the healthy oxygen it needs.

2. Better sleep Our respiration changes when weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re sleeping such that our breathing rate decreases and becomes much steadier. The average person gets anywhere from 1.5-1.8 hours a night of REM sleep. During REM sleep, your breaths increase and fluctuate, mimicking the breaths you take while you are awake. So, it is just as important to take in fresh clean air while you are sleeping, as if you were awake. Taking in airborne allergens will affect your quality of sleep. The purer the air you take in, the better you will feel the next day. Taking in impure air can cause sleep- disordered breathing problems such as sleep apnea.

3. Elimination of allergens Somewhere between 10 and 30 percent of the global population suffers from allergies. These symptoms are characterized as sneezing, congestion, an itchy throat, and irritated eyes. The most common contributors to allergies include: • Dust • Animal dander • Cockroach debris

• Mold spores • Pollen

These allergens float in the air but eventually fall onto flat surfaces, leaving a thin, seemingly furry film on surfaces. The heavier the allergen, the faster it settles out of the air and onto a flat surface.

4. Reduced odors No one likes a smelly house. Anything from what you cook to activities you do can affect the smell of your home. Say you cook a lot of fish or work outside all day sweating, you bring those smells into your home. Things like candles or room spray can mask the smell but, by adding a UV filter, you can help eliminate the smells in your home. Giving you fresh, pure air to breath in.

There are many ways to eliminate allergies in your home. Make sure to dust often, vacuum, and properly take care of your HVAC system. By adding things such as UV lights to your HVAC system can help eliminate airborne illness as the flu and cut down on the pollen or other airborne allergens from entering your home.

5. Balanced humidity Good indoor air quality also means a good balance of humidity. Humidity, which is the amount of water in the air, affects all aspects of your immediate environment. If you have too much humidity in your home, it will feel sticky and muggy. As to where if you don’t have enough humidity it will feel dry and can cause things such as dry skin. The ideal indoor humidity level should be around 45%. Things such as your air conditioner, humidifiers and dehumidifiers can balance out the humidity in your home. Keeping the humidity at about 45% will help with your overall breathing. You can also invest in a thermostat that can help you track these levels effectively.

6. Reduced energy costs IAQ improves airflow, ventilation, and humidity. These are key factors to be able to optimize your HVAC systems full potential. The more efficient your HVAC system is running, the less it must work. The less it must work, the cheaper your utility could be. For more information on HVAC systems and IAQ please visit www.OsceolaAir.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

| osceola woman.com

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STYLE

BOURBON-PECAN POUND CAKE Here’s a nutty spiked pound cake for the holidays. Prep Time: 17-20 minutes

SHRIMP AND OLIVE SPREAD Makes 1 ⅓ cups, 10 minute prep time

Ingredients

• 1 cup Shortening • 2 ½ cups Sugar • 6 large Eggs • 3 cups all-purpose Flour • 2 teaspoons Baking Powder • ½ teaspoon Salt • ½ teaspoon ground Nutmeg • 1 (8-ounce) carton Sour Cream • ½ cup Bourbon • 1 ½ cup finely chopped Pecans

Instructions

• Beat shortening at medium speed with an electric mixer about 2 minutes or until fluffy. • Gradually add sugar, beating 5 to 7 minutes. • Add eggs, on at a time, beating until yellow disappears. • Combine flour and next 3 ingredients in a bowl, stir gently. • Combine sour cream and bourbon; add to shortening mixture alternately with flour mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture.

A delicious starter for your guests.

Ingredients • 1 (8-ounce) package Cream Cheese • 1 (7-ounce) can Shrimp, rinsed, drained and chopped • 6 Pimiento-Stuffed Olives chopped • 2 tablespoons minced Onion • 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise or Salad Dressing • 1 teaspoon Lemon juice • ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce • ¼ teaspoon Hot sauce • ¼ teaspoon Garlic powder

Instructions

Combine all ingredients, stirring well. Cover and store in refrigerator. Serve with assorted crackers.

• Mix at low speed after each addition just until blended. Stir un chopped pecans. Pour batter into a greased and floured 10-inch tube pan. • Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until wooden pick comes out clean. Don’t forget the Glaze! *Cool in pan on wire rack 10-15 minutes; remove from • 2 ¼ cups sifted Powder Sugar pan and cool completely on wire rack. • 2 tablespoons Bourbon • 2 tablespoons water

28 osceolawoman.com | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

SMASHED BRUSSEL SPROUTS Makes 6-8 servings, Prep Time: 15mins Cook Time: 20mins

Ingredients

• 2 lb. Brussels sprouts • 2 tablespoon Olive oil • 2 Cloves garlic minced • 1 teaspoon Chopped thyme • Pinch Kosher salt • Pinch Ground black pepper • 1 cup Shredded mozzarella • ¼ cup Freshly grated Parmesan • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 425° and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Prepare an ice bath in a large bowl. • Blanch brussels sprouts: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add brussels sprouts and cook until bright green and very tender, about 10 minutes. Add brussels sprouts to ice bath to cool then drain. • On a large baking sheet, toss blanched brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic and thyme. Using the end of a small glass or mason jar, press down on the brussels sprouts to smash them into a flat patty. Season each smashed brussels sprout with salt and pepper, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top. • Bake until the bottoms of the sprouts are crispy, and the cheese is melted and golden, about 20 minutes. • Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

MIMOSAS Makes 10 cups, 3 minute prep time A mimosa is a morning luxury – a bubbly blend of champagne and orange juice.

Ingredients

• 1 (12-ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrated, thawed and undiluted • ⅓ cup of Triple Sec or other orange flavored liqueur • 1 (750 -milliliter) bottle Champagne, chilled

Instructions

Prepare orange juice according to can directions; stir in liqueur. Cover and Chill *Stir in champagne just before serving

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

| osceola woman.com

home &

STYLE

TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE FOR ONE OF THE CELEBRATION FOUNDATIONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BIGGEST EVENTS OF THE YEAR!

The Celebration Foundation is pleased to present the 20th annual Holiday Home Tour. Located in the town of Celebration, this self-guided tour takes visitors on a journey through several of the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fabulously decorated homes. Visitors can enter each home to see beautiful decorations and custom New Urbanism architecture by the Walt Disney Company.

30 osceolawoman.com | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

Visitors will also enjoy extravagantly decorated trees and tablescapes in the expanded Winter Wonderland. The Winter Wonderland will take place at Celebration Town Hall during the Holiday Home Tour hours. The Celebration Foundation is the charitable arm of the community. All proceeds benefit

many programs and initiatives the Celebration Foundation offers greater Osceola County. Please keep in mind that this is a selfguided tour that takes approximately 2 hours. Guests can drive to each home. Not all homes are handicap accessible. The Winter Wonderland is handicap accessible.

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