Positively Osceola News Today, Osceola County's Leading and Trusted Source For Local News

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13 2023

Osceola Commissioner Viviana Janer to Host Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway Saturday November 18 Ringing in Hope: The Salvation Army’s Annual Red Kettle Challenge Readies for a Season of Generosity and Compassion Osceola County Weather: It’s a cloudy, drizzly, and breezy start to the week, rain chances increase this week Lady Bulldogs Reach New Golf Heights, Boys Tohopekaliga Cross Country Heads to States in Tallahassee

‘Scouting for Food Drive’ Aims to Make a Positive Impact on Those in Need in the Community For more Positively Osceola, visit our Social Media & Website!

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Minutes from Home.

A Lifetime of Healing.

You’re not just our patient. You’re our neighbor. For more than 50 years, Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital has been honored to provide exceptional care for the Osceola County community we proudly call home. And because it’s your home, too, you deserve trusted healthcare within reach, so we can foster a partnership focused on health and wellness — together. Giving you more reasons to choose well. OrlandoHealth.com/StCloud

choose well.

IN & AROUND OSCEOLA LIVE with Shawnta Price, the Special Events Manager with the City of St. Cloud, talking about Great Outdoors Day at the St. Cloud Lakefront!

LIVE with St. Cloud Bulldogs head coach Mike Short about 21-0 win over Harmony Longhorns in the Soldier City Classic

LIVE for the German Witch’s Dance in Downtown St. Cloud

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IN & AROUND OSCEOLA LIVE at the Osceola County Courthouse where Help Now of Osceola and community leaders are holding a rally and walk for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez announces a new partnership with Senior Resource Alliance and Scent Evidence K9 Positively Osceola, Osceola County School District and Osceola Arts, celebrated Inspirational Arts Educator of the Month and Inspirational Vocal Student of the month

Osceola County Commissioner for District 3 on Hosting a Food Distribution for Those in Need

LIVE at Bella Napoli Italian Restaurant in St. Cloud, the winner of the Osceola’a Best Italian Restaurant

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ON DEMAND LIVESTREAMS LIVE with Keith Ronan and Charlie Draper of Draper Law Office October 18th, 2023

LIVE with Keith Ronan and Charlie Draper of Draper Law Office September 20th, 2023

LIVE with Charlie Draper of Draper Law Office August 16th, 2023

LIVE with District 46 State Representative Kristen Arrington July 26th, 2023

LIVE with Michelle Incandela of Draper Law Office July 19th, 2023

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VIDEOS ON DEMAND The Mayor’s Minute with St. Cloud Mayor Nathan Blackwell The Mayor’s Minute with Nathan Blackwell, Mayor of the City of St. Cloud, Florida. Trail of Terror on Oct. 20th & 21st, and Oct. 27th and 28th. Trunk or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 28th at 10am at Hopkins Park.

Great Outdoors Day on Saturday, Nov. 4th from 10am to 2pm at Lakefront Park.

Positively Osceola, Making a Positive Difference in and Around Osceola County!

Stay informed and inspired with Positively Osceola, your 24/7 go-to news in and around Osceola County! Positively Osceola shares the latest updates on local events, community achievements, and inspiring stories. From heartwarming features to breaking news, PO has you covered. Experience the power of positivity with Positively Osceola!

Kissimmee Utility Authority Hurricane Handbook With the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season here, Kissimmee Utility Authority has released its 2023 Osceola Hurricane Handbook, a free, bilingual, comprehensive preparedness guide offered annually to Osceola County residents.

Talent Tuesday at Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital Every Tuesday is Talent Tuesday at Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital from 1-3pm.

Don Schmidt Roofing Don Schmidt Roofing takes pride in every project by using only the finest materials and craftmanship.

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NEWS

Osceola Commissioner Viviana Janer to Host Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway Saturday November 18

District 2 Osceola County Commissioner Viviana Janer is inviting the community to a free, drive-thru Thanksgiving Dinner Distribution on Saturday, November 18 beginning at 10am at Archie Gordon Memorial Park in BVL. The Thanksgiving meal will include a frozen turkey and will be distributed to families on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

Commissioner Viviana Janer for District 2 has led numerous food events in the BVL area, which are typically held at Archie Gordon Memorial Park, located at 420 Buenaventura Blvd. in Buenaventura Lakes. The park’s location allows Commissioner Janer, along with a team of volunteers to provide a safe and well organized food distribution for the community.

As this is a first come first served event, it is recommended to those who are planning to attend to the food distribution to arrive early.

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NEWS Ringing in Hope: The Salvation Army’s Annual Red Kettle Challenge Readies for a Season of Generosity and Compassion The Salvation Army Red Kettle Challenge has long been a symbol of compassion and community support. This year, the challenge takes on a profound significance for the Salvation Army of Osceola County. The Osceola Christian Ministry Center in Kissimmee, a vital local community resource, recently fell victim to intentional arson.

Now, more than ever, your donations are crucial to help rebuild and restore hope to those in need.

For decades, The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Challenge has stood as a symbol of generosity during the holiday season. The sight of volunteers beside red kettles invites donors to contribute, with funds supporting essential services for individuals and families facing hardships.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/47owxqd

Osceola County Weather: It’s a cloudy, drizzly, and breezy start to the week, rain chances increase this week

Happy Monday Osceola! The new work week will start out on the cloudy side with a bit of drizzle and a 10 to 15 mph northeast wind. As the day marches on the breeze will increase with gusts as high as 20 mph and some areas will see some rain showers. The week will bring higher chances of rain than last week and temps mostly in the upper 70s until Friday when it will dry out and warm into the 80s. Have a positively awesome week everyone!

Tonight A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly between 10pm and 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Northeast wind around 10 mph.

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NEWS

Lady Bulldogs Reach New Golf Heights, Boys Tohopekaliga Cross Country Heads to States in Tallahassee

Although official practices for winter sports began on Monday, it was a really busy week for fall sports in Osceola County. It began with the St. Cloud girls’ golf team making history; and while the boys’ cross country team from Tohopekaliga earned a trip to the state cross country meet next week in Tallahassee.

Here is a look around Osceola County: GOLF

The St. Cloud girls golf team not only earned a third straight trip to the FHSAA Class 3A State Golf Championships but set a little bit of history in the process by earning a fourth place finish at the event — the highest ever by an Osceola team—boys or girls.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/40xEsPj

‘Scouting for Food Drive’ Aims to Make a Positive Impact on Those in Need in the Community As the holiday season grows nearer, food insecurity continues to be a challenge for many families and individuals in our community. The Boy Scouts of America Central Florida Council is working to help end hunger during its 2023 Scouting for Food Drive that is taking place to collect food for those who are in need. Scouts are out delivering bags to local neighborhoods and will come back to collect the donated food on doorsteps on November 11.

Please don’t discard the bag you may find, help those in need by placing non-perishable goods inside the bag on your door step by 8 a.m. Saturday, November 11 to be picked up by the Scouts.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/40oR37n

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NEWS Florida Gas Prices Move Lower After Rising 10 Cents Last Week, Uncertainty Ahead Florida gas prices increased last week, but are moving lower once again. After tying the 2023-low of $3.22 per gallon last Monday, the state average shot up 10 cents to $3.32 per gallon, by Wednesday.

The increase was in response to the rise in crude oil prices, which occurred two weeks ago. In Osceola, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $3.10.

Fortunately, crude oil prices fell last week, and gas prices are doing the same.

Florida’s state average declined 4 cents per gallon, Friday-Sunday. The state average was $3.29 per gallon on Sunday. Visit GasPrices.AAA.com to view today’s daily average price.

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Osceola Sheriff’s Office Unveils New K9 Partnerships to Heighten Search and Rescue Operations for Missing Persons Osceola County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the Senior Resource Alliance and Scent Evidence K9 to utilize two new scent discriminate bloodhounds and scent preservation kits to find people more quickly who go missing, Sheriff Marcos Lopez announced Wednesday.

As part of this new partnership, K9 brothers Doc and Luke will be joining the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit, thanks to the Senior Resource Alliance. Doc and Luke were trained by Scent Evidence K9 specially to search and locate missing individuals by using a person’s unique scent.

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NEWS Osceola County Commissioner Peggy Choudhry Hosts 3rd Annual Anti-Bullying Chalk Away Hate Event On Saturday, Osceola County Commissioner for District 1, Peggy Choudhry, hosted the much-anticipated 3rd Annual Anti-Bullying Chalk Away Hate event at the Promenade at Sunset Walk in Kissimmee. This event, characterized by its vibrant and ‘glowing’ atmosphere, was dedicated to spreading awareness about the detrimental effects of bullying and the value of promoting kindness to others.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3u2Q7tc

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NEWS Help Now’s 14th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk and Candlelight Vigil Sheds Light on Community Support and Solidarity

supporting those affected by it.

Osceola County witnessed a powerful show of solidarity and support for survivors of domestic violence Thursday night at Help Now’s 14th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk and Candlelight Vigil, held on the steps of the Osceola County Courthouse. Led by Help Now’s Executive Director, Tammy Douglass, the event brought together community leaders, law enforcement officials, and advocates to emphasize the importance of standing against domestic violence and

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3Qa78Jn

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NEWS

Kissimmee Fire Department Joins National Campaign to Help Prevent Cooking Fires as Part of Fire Prevention Month October marks Fire Prevention Month and the City of Kissimmee Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote this year’s theme, “Cooking safety starts with you. Pay attention to fire prevention.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries.

This annual observance of Fire Prevention Month serves as a reminder of the importance of reducing the risk of fires and minimizing its devastating impact.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3tBerSx

Feeding Florida: FLHSMV, FHP Gear Up for the Annual ‘Stuff The Charger’ Food Drive The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and its division of the Florida Highway Patrol, have announced the start of the annual “Stuff the Charger” food drive – a statewide effort to support Floridians who could benefit from a little extra help this holiday season. Today through November 30, the department is collecting nonperishable food donations for food banks across the state.

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NEWS Driving Dreams: Osceola Council On Aging’s 4th Annual Car Raffle Fundraiser The Osceola Council On Aging has revved up its highly anticipated 4th Annual Car Raffle Fundraiser, an exciting event that promises to make dreams come true for both the lucky winner and the local senior community.

The 4th Annual Car Raffle Fundraiser is a testament to the OCOA’s commitment to making a lasting difference in the lives of seniors, and brings together the community, local businesses, and philanthropic individuals in a spirit of generosity and camaraderie. This year’s lucky ticket will be drawn 30 minutes prior to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, December 29, 2023.

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OSCEOLA’S BEST

The Cup Diner: Osceola’s Best Breakfast Award Shines Spotlight on St. Cloud’s Culinary and Community Gem In a heartwarming ceremony on Saturday, September 16, ‘The Cup Diner,’ a beloved restaurant nestled in the heart of St. Cloud, was presented with the prestigious “Osceola’s Best Breakfast” Award by Positively Osceola, marking a well-deserved recognition of their dedication to crafting exceptional dining experiences for their community.

The Cup Diner, a cozy family-owned eatery, has been a cherished part of St. Cloud’s culinary landscape for years, and is certainly more than just a local restaurant; it’s a home away from home for countless members of the community.

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Mutt’s on 13th in St. Cloud: Osceola’s Best Burger Award Winner, Celebrating 13 Years of Excellence

In the heart of St. Cloud, culinary excellence meets community spirit at Mutt’s on 13th, a vibrant local eatery that recently achieved the highly esteemed “Osceola’s Best Burger Award” from Positively Osceola. This accolade signifies not only their commitment to crafting mouthwatering burgers but also their dedication to creating a gathering place where residents and visitors can enjoy both excellent food and a sense of community. As if this achievement weren’t enough, Mutt’s on 13th is also celebrating its 13th year in business, making this recognition Positively Delicious!

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OSCEOLA’S BEST Granny’s Southern Smokehouse Does It Again: Voted ‘Osceola’s Best Barbecue’ by Community, Positively Osceola Nestled in Downtown St. Cloud, there’s a barbecue joint that has been turning heads and igniting taste buds for years. Granny’s Southern Smokehouse, a beloved local eatery, has recently received the prestigious ‘Osceola’s Best Barbecue Award’ for the second time, an honor presented

by Osceola County’s leading source for news, Positively Osceola. Behind the smoky goodness and fingerlicking flavors stands a true barbecue virtuoso, Jay Brown, owner and pitmaster extraordinaire.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3EpG6YY

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SPORTS

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

Playoff Time for the Kowboys, Bowl Time for the Bulldogs, Tigers!

Following an impressive road win over West Orange in their regular season finale, the Osceola Kowboys will participate in the FHSAA Playoffs for an impressive 17th consecutive time when they travel to Treasure Coast this Friday to take on the Titans (7-2) at 7 p.m.

Meanwhile, fresh of their big 21-0 win over Harmony, St. Cloud (7-3) earned a Bowl Game. They will host Lake Region (5-5) at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday in the first game played on the Bulldogs new turf field; while Tohopekaliga (5-5) will attempt to end the season on a positive note when they play a Bowl Game at Lake Howell at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/47iuweG

St. Bulldogs Take Soldier City Classic and Coveted Brass Bugle Trophy After Blanking Harmony 21-0 For the fourth time in five years and the 10th time since the rivalry began in 2005, the Brass Bugle Trophy is headed back to St. Cloud High. The Bulldogs earned it with a 21-0 win over arch-rival Harmony in the 19th playing of the Soldier City Classic before a big crowd at Austin Tindall Park on Friday night.

“That’s an ugly trophy,” a grinning St. Cloud coach Mike Short said as his players passed it around for pictures. “But it’s going to look great in our trophy case for the next year.

We’ve had a really good season but this is the game that makes it a great season.”

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SPORTS

By J. Daniel Pearson For Positively Osceola

Lady Bulldogs make history with back-2back-2-back state golf appearances For a third straight year, the St. Cloud girls’ golf team is headed to the state golf championships and this time they did not need to wait around for an at-large bid.

The Lady Bulldogs, behind sophomore Karolyna Adams’ two-over par 74, tied Lake Nona for Class 3A, Region 2 golf championship on Tuesday morning.

St. Cloud would lose the regional championship in a playoff, as Lake Nona shot a team-collective even par 20 on the first playoff hole; compared to a one-over par 21 by the Lady Bulldogs. Still, the official second place regional finish earned St. Cloud an automatic spot in the FHSAA State Golf Championships, Nov. 10-11.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3Mo6N4F

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NEWS Help Now’s 14th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk and Candlelight Vigil Sheds Light on Community Support and Solidarity

supporting those affected by it.

Osceola County witnessed a powerful show of solidarity and support for survivors of domestic violence Thursday night at Help Now’s 14th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk and Candlelight Vigil, held on the steps of the Osceola County Courthouse. Led by Help Now’s Executive Director, Tammy Douglass, the event brought together community leaders, law enforcement officials, and advocates to emphasize the importance of standing against domestic violence and

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3Qa78Jn

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VISIT OSCEOLA Exploring Osceola County’s Natural Trails and Spaces: A Paradise for Avid Runners, Walkers, and Kayakers Osceola County is a hidden gem for avid runners, walkers, and kayakers seeking a combination of physical fitness and natural beauty.

Although the county is one of the fastest growing regions in Florida, its picturesque landscapes, serene lakes, and wellmaintained trails, offer a haven for those who want to stay active while immersing themselves in nature.

In this article, we will take you on a journey through ten of Osceola County’s finest locations where you can experience invigorating runs and leisurely walks amid breathtaking natural landscapes.

• Shingle Creek Regional Park: Shingle Creek Regional Park, often referred to as the “Headwaters of the Everglades,” is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and fitness enthusiasts alike. This vast park offers a network of scenic trails suitable for running and walking. The trails wind through lush forests, along the banks of Shingle Creek, and provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or an intense trail run, Shingle Creek has something for everyone.

• Celebration Lakeside Park: Celebration, a charming community in Osceola County, and known to many as the ‘Town that Disney built,’ boasts Celebration Lakeside Park, a beautiful destination for runners and walkers. The park features a loop trail around Lake Rianhard, offering picturesque views of the water and surrounding greenery. The flat terrain and wellpaved paths make it an excellent choice for a leisurely walk or a brisk run.

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NEWS

Parkinson’s Support in Action: Orlando Health Advanced Rehabilitation Institute offering free community exercise classes for Parkinson’s patients Local patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease now have access to free fitness classes tailored to their medical needs, thanks to the Orlando Health Advanced Rehabilitation Institute and grant funding from the Parkinson Association of Central Florida. Patients do not need a physician referral to join the classes.

The fitness classes meet every other Monday from 3:30 pm-4:30 pm near the Orlando Health Neuroscience Institute, with Orlando Health neurologic physical therapists providing the exercise instruction. The classes include aerobic exercise, strength training, balance training, and more. Attendees should wear active clothes and bring water. They are also asked to have a care partner attend with them if they require additional physical assistance.

Please register for each class session you plan to attend by emailing parkinsonsclass@orlandohealth.com. Attendees can also call 321-841-4490 with any questions.

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NEWS Get Ready to Rock: ‘Burn the Jukebox’ Band to Take the Stage at 2024 Osceola County Fair in February!

Get ready to rock, as the sensational young band, ‘Burn the Jukebox,’ is set to take the stage at the 2024 Osceola County Fair this February. Comprising four immensely talented teenagers with an unwavering passion for music, Burn the Jukebox promises to deliver an electrifying performance that will leave the audience begging for more.

This powerhouse ensemble, with members aged 15 to 16, has dedicated countless hours to perfecting their craft and mastering a wide range of musical hits spanning the last five decades. From classic tunes to modern anthems, Burn the Jukebox knows how to captivate a crowd, get them moving, and keep them on their feet all night long.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3Q2TSar Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies Recognized by Ratings Agency for Perinatal Care Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies has received recognition from The Joint Commission, for their outstanding patient care and physician standards. The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in healthcare.

It’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Certification in Perinatal Care (ACPC) has been awarded to only 17 facilities across the country, and Orlando Health Winnie Palmer is the first in Florida to receive this designation.

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NEWS St. Cloud Mayor Nathan Blackwell Appointed to Florida League of Cities Legislative Committee City of St. Cloud Mayor Nathan Blackwell has been appointed to serve on the Florida League of Cities Legislative Committee as the Tri-County League of Cities representative.

The Legislative Committee reviews the recommended legislative priorities of the League’s five legislative policy committees. Based on this review, the Legislative Committee votes on a proposed Legislative Platform, which is then submitted to the full League membership for consideration and adoption.

Mayor Blackwell also serves on FLC’s Board of Directors, and is the first St. Cloud Council member to do so.

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OSCEOLA BUSINESS REFERRAL SERVICE

Making Business Better, Together

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HEALTH

Kirbie Whitaker, MS, RD, LDN Clinical Oncology Dietitian

Orlando Health: A World Without Bacon?

What You Need To Know About Nitrates

Even for Americans who consciously consume less meat these days, a crispy rasher of bacon or a flame-grilled steak still rank among the splurge-worthy. But would your enthusiasm dampen if you knew each came with a significant cancer risk?

Bacon and charred meats each contain nitrates, which are under the microscope as researchers find links to increased disease risk and the European Parliament debates a total ban. A naturally occurring substance that historically allowed humans to preserve precious proteins, nitrates also are labeled a Class 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization, right up there with tobacco and asbestos.

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INJURY LAW Draper Law: Which vehicles are more likely to be involved in serious or fatal accidents?

Sadly, serious and fatal accidents take place on a daily basis in Central Florida. These crashes can happen in a number of ways and can be caused by not following traffic laws, inexperience, intoxication, distracted driving, fatigue, and medical issues.

Statistics show that fatal car accidents can often occur based on the type of vehicle.

You may think that sports cars are most likely to be in crashes due to their speed and performance. However, according to the NHTSA, it’s the everyday cars, trucks, and SUVs on the roadways that are involved more frequently in serious or even deadly accidents, with sedans and pickup trucks accounting for more than three-quarters of fatal accidents. If you drive out on the roadways, here’s what you need to know about which vehicles have been involved in many of the crashes.

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NEWS Beware of online scams when searching for home weatherization assistance programs The Osceola Council on Aging is warning the community to beware of fraudulent websites while searching for home weatherization programs. These websites ask people to fill out online forms, which are then used to steal the applicant’s personal information.

Unfortunately, when a victim of this malicious fraud attempts to contact the company, they receive no response or support.

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HEALTH

Christine E. Jablonski, MD Orlando Health Internal Medicine

Orlando Health: Best Exercises To Slow Osteoporosis Exercise can help slow osteoporosis.

But before you start working out, it helps to know which bone-strengthening exercises deliver the greatest benefit.

Osteoporosis — bone-density loss — affects one in three women older than 50, and one in five men will experience osteoporotic fractures in their lifetimes.

Osteoporosis slowly weakens your bones to the point where they easily break. It’s referred to as a “silent disease” because you often don’t know it’s happening until you break a bone. Osteoporosis commonly causes fractures in the hip, spine and wrist.

WHY WE LOSE BONE MASS As a living tissue, bones continually rebuild themselves to maintain strength. How? Your body breaks down existing bone and then restores it with new bone tissue.

It also helps to understand “the bone turnover cycle.” When you’re young, you build more bone than you lose. But as you age, you start to lose more bone than you build.

For women, bone loss increases after menopause as they lose hormones, causing a precipitous decline in bone mineral density. For men, especially those with low testosterone, osteoporosis usually happens a bit later — generally around age 65 or 70.

The development of osteoporosis is accelerated during this natural aging process and causes the bones to become thinner, more brittle and subject to breaks during a fall.

Besides age, other risk factors for osteoporosis include some medical conditions and lifestyle choices,

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NEWS

Valencia College Awarded Grant to Help Students with Child Care Costs Valencia College has been awarded a U. S. Department of Education grant totaling more than $1.3 million to subsidize child care for low-income parents attending college.

The new Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program will help low-income Valencia College students with the cost of child care through a network of quality, licensed child care providers in Orange and Osceola counties.

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Heads Up. We’re Here.

We know emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. With 14 ER locations throughout Central Florida, we’re ready to provide expert emergency care if you’re facing one. No matter which one you choose, you’ll find a place where chaos meets calm and uncertainty finds answers. Giving you more reasons to choose well. OrlandoHealth.com/ER

IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park Returns!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is just one of the holiday highlights that guests can experience during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park in Lake Buena Vista.

The separately ticketed event also features dazzling stage shows, fireworks, complimentary sweet treats and so much more. It takes place on 25 select nights Nov. 9-Dec. 22. Now in its 40th year, the event has become a holiday tradition for families and kids of all ages.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3MDO3hx

Universal Orlando announces lineup for January 2024 Rock the Universe Concert Universal Orlando Resort has announced its anticipated lineup of Rock the Universe, Florida’s biggest Christian music festival, taking place January 26 and 27, 2024.

The rocking weekend kicks off Friday night with performances by GRAMMY-nominated rock band, We The Kingdom, GRAMMY award-winning rapper, LECRAE and more.

The festival continues Saturday night with performances by Dove award-winning band, Casting Crowns, GRAMMY-nominated singer, Phil Wickham, GRAMMY award-winning singer, Brandon Lake and more. For the full weekend lineup, visit www.RocktheUniverse.com.

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IN THE LOOP - THEME PARK NEWS Universal Orlando Unveils Holidays Celebration including Grinchmas, Mannheim Steamroller, Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s and More Universal Orlando Resort has announced its destination-wide Holidays celebration line-up beginning Friday, November 17 and running daily through Sunday, December 31.

From the wondrous spectacle of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, and coming face-to-face with everyone’s favorite green grouch, the Grinch, during Grinchmas, to gazing at the floats and larger-than-life balloons during Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, there are boundless opportunities for guests to enjoy at Universal Orlando this holiday season.

READ MORE, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3S79ET1

Dive into the Magic of the Holidays as SeaWorld’s Award-winning Christmas Celebration Returns!

Get ready to immerse yourselves in the holiday spirit at SeaWorld’s award-winning Christmas Celebration, available on select dates through January 2. Come see the park transformed into a winter wonderland sparkling with millions of beautiful lights as you create unforgettable memories at a wondrous Christmas celebration you’ll only find at SeaWorld Orlando!

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POSITIVELY DELICIOUS Grilled Florida Chicken Sandwich, It’s Positively Delicious!

Fresh chicken with crisp Florida arugula on toasted bread, it’s Positively Delicious!

INGREDIENTS • 2 Florida chicken breasts, grilled • 1/2 cup olive oil • 1 Florida tomato, sliced thin • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature • 2 cups Florida arugula • Sandwich bread (your favorite) • 3 garlic cloves • Sea salt and fresh ground pepper • 1 lemon, zested and juiced

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End Your Summer Day with Grilled Florida Key Lime Shrimp Skewers, They’re Positively Delicious!

After a long day at the beach soaking up the sun, reward yourself with a delicious meal. Try these Grilled Shrimp skewers made with fresh Florida seafood…they’re Positively Delicious!

INGREDIENTS • 1 pound Florida shrimp, peeled and deveined • 4 Florida Key limes, juiced • ½ Florida avocado, mashed • 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped • ½ cup mayonnaise • ½ cup sour cream • 2 tablespoons spicy mustard • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish • 1 teaspoon hot sauce • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced • 1 tablespoon all-purpose seasoning • 1 lemon, juiced • Oil for cooking • Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

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POSITIVELY DELICIOUS Grilled Florida Mahi-Mahi with Mango Fried Rice, It’s Positively Delicious

Creating a delectable dish like Grilled Florida MahiMahi with Mango Fried Rice is a culinary journey that brings together the vibrant flavors of the Sunshine State.

Starting with the star of the dish, the succulent MahiMahi fillets are seasoned to perfection and then skillfully grilled to achieve a smoky char that complements the fish’s delicate taste. As the Mahi-Mahi grills, attention turns to the fragrant Mango Fried Rice. The rice, cooked to a fluffy perfection, becomes a canvas for a tropical symphony of flavors as juicy chunks of ripe mango, colorful bell peppers, and aromatic spices are introduced. With each forkful, the sweetness of the mango contrasts harmoniously with the savory rice, creating a fusion of tastes that transport you to a paradise of flavors. Together, the grilled Mahi-Mahi and the Mango Fried Rice create a Positively Delicious dish that encapsulates the essence of Florida’s bountiful harvest, offering a tantalizing experience that’s both satisfying and positively unforgettable.

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Florida Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Wings, It’s Positively Delicious!

Honey-glazed fried chicken wings with the perfect mix of crunch and tang…it’s Positively Delicious!

INGREDIENTS

• 12 Florida chicken wings • ⅓ cup Florida honey • ¼ cup Florida orange juice • 10 sprigs fresh thyme, finely chopped • 3 eggs, beaten

• 2 cups all-purpose flour • 2 cups bread crumbs • 3 tablespoons all-purpose seasoning • Vegetable oil for frying • Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

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