December 23, 2023 Issue, Page 8 of 24

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8 - The Elk City News December 23, 2023 Carnegie Library Happenings Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma Providing Funding for Services Not Covered by Other Agencies By Joanie Swanson, SWO- heaters, and/or air condition people and/or their caregivers DA AAA Information and As- or heater repairs. with needs, and many are told sistance Specialist ‘There is an application and nothing is available to help. funds will be used on a first ‘This Masonic funding will en- The Masonic Fraternity of come, first served basis until able AAA staff to assist many Oklahoma is once again part- they are all utilized, Funding callers with resources that nering with the South Western for each type of service will be Oklahoma Development Au- limited. Those who have des- were not available previously. thority (SWODA) Area Agency perate or unique needs should This funding “will not only on Aging (AAA), along with file an application because help Oklahoma’s older popula- other Area Agencies on Aging those situations are considered tion but will also relieve some across the state, to assist with on a case-by-case basis. Assis- of the stress placed on caregiv- funding direct services for peo- tance will be available once per ers whose older relatives are ple 55 years of age and older in person every three years. continually turned down be- need of some type assistance Counties covered by the cause of the lack of resources not otherwise provided by oth- SWODA AAA are Beckham, for needed help,” said Anita er agencies. Custer, Greer, Harmon, Jack- Some of the types of servic- son, Kiowa, Roger Mills, and Martinez, SWODA AAA direc- es include minor home repairs, Washita. The SWODA Aging tor of Aging Services. Applica- wheelchair ramps, air condi- Services Information Assistant tions will be available January tioner window units or space receives calls daily from older 2, 2024. “Wait until you’re older,” proven by research to reduce Substance Use Disorder Enjoy the flavors of the season while Parental advice given for considering all of the poten- have dreams and goals. Mari- ages has been supported by tial harms associated with juana use could put all that research findings. ‘Wait until Substance Use Disorder. Sub- at risk.” And lastly, help kids meeting health goals you're older, has deflated the stance Use Disorder can po- develop healthy coping skills plans of kids and teens for cen- tentially affect an individual's and habits that will build re- turies. Now we know there’s physical health, self-esteem, silience, or the ability to refuse By Trisha Gedon A person should stick to a and whole grains, then fill in more to it than just Dad or mental health, relationships, offers of drugs. regular eating plan and physi- with some indulgent options. Mom being a buzzkill. and myriad other areas of life. If you want to know more STILLWATER- ‘The sights, cal activities in between holi- Limit sugary beverages and al- In an article ‘Early-onset SUD can impact a person for about building resiliency in sounds, smells and flavors of day get-togethers. cohol as they can contribute to drug use and risk for drug the rest of their life without of- Children, consider joining one the holidays are a constant Hermann said partygoers excess calorie intake. dependence problems,’ pub- ten difficult lifestyle changes. of the coalitions that SWODA this time of year. ‘Tis the sea- don’t need to starve them- lished in Addictive Behaviors, We certainly wouldn't want is apart of. Please visit https:// Hermann suggests eating www.swoda.org/substance- son when tables are laden with selves on the day of a holiday slowly and savoring the flavors researchers Chen, Storr and any child or adolescent to be special, calorie-dense holiday party as a trade-off for enjoy- and textures of special holiday Anthony concluded that Age at risk for this very serious use-prevention-treatment- treats, making it a bit more ing some less-than-healthy op- of Initiation (First Use of Sub- disorder, so what can we do to and-recovery/prevention/od- difficult to make food healthy tions. treats. If the dessert options stance) is a predictor of later help prevent it? First, children mhsas to learn more about the choices. “This will likely lead to are too numerous to choose development of Substance Use need to be connected to their coalitions and our prevention It’s important to eat smart over-indulging when it’s party just one, share a couple of Disorder. Their data showed parents or caregivers in a posi- efforts, all year long, but allowinga few time. Instead, plan your calorie treats with a friend. that 90% of American adults tive, meaningful way. Spend ‘These prevention efforts intake and eat lighter meals tasty treats here and there dur- “The holiday season is a with Substance Use Disorder time with kids intentionally by are funded by a grant from ing the holiday season won't throughout the day. Have a special time of year, and we initiated drug and/or alcohol planning an activity or event. the Oklahoma Department derail a healthy eating plan, sensible snack before leaving want to enjoy particular holi- use before the age of 18. Kids enjoy being part of the of Mental Health and Sub- said Janice Hermann, Oklaho- the house to help curb your ap- day food favorites,” she said. Additionally, 1 in 4 people planning process. stance Abuse Services and the ma State University Extension petite at the party,” she said. “Making healthier choices who initiate substance use be- Secondly, communicate Substance Abuse and Mental nutrition specialist. “If the party is potluck, bring throughout the holiday season fore age 18 develop Substance your expectations ofthe child’s Health Services Administra- “The holiday season is a your favorite healthy dish to helps ensure we don’t tip the Use Disorder, compared to 1 in use of drugs, alcohol, and to- tion. ‘The grant administrator time to celebrate, and we of- ensure there’s at least one op- scale too far in one direction.” 25 for people who delayed use bacco. “I expect that when is South Western Oklahoma ten do that with special meals tion that won't bust your calo- OSU Extension uses re- until they were 21 and older. you are offered Marijuana that Development Authority in and festive parties with family rie budget.” ‘The difference is frightening, you'll refuse it because you Burns Flat. search-based information to and friends," Hermann said. Take time to mingle with “It's OK to indulge some here other party guests before help all Oklahomans solve lo- and there, but the important cal issues and concerns, pro- heading for the buffet table. thing to keep in mind is to con- When it’s time to eat, look mote leadership and manage Providing comfort and, Supportfor End of Life cholces sistently make healthy choices over all options before making resources wisely throughout throughout the season. Por- selections. Try to fill the plate the state’s 77 counties. Most Hospice care provides medical services, emotional support, and spiritual re- tion control must be top of with healthier choices first, information is available at lit- sources for people who are in the last stages of a serious illness, such as cancer} mind.” including proteins, vegetables tle to no cost. or heart failure. Hospice care also helps family members manage the practical details and emotional challenges of caring for a dying loved one. Car For questions regarding hospice service or eligibility, contact: wie With Carrie Perry, RN/ Adminsistrator 14) Pat Welsh, RN/ oordinator ofPatient Care Some of the most common conditions are: * Cancer * Failure to Thrive * End Stage Cardiac Disease (CHF) * End Stage Cerebrovascular Disease (CV/ ) * End Stage Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) * End Stage Pulmonary Disease (COPD) + End Stage Liver Disease * End Stage Renal Disease * AIDS/HIV * End Stage Neurological Disease such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s carrte Perryy RN Professional, Passionate Advance, Attentive. Our Difference Is Our Care i S Ha you ever considered becoming Valid Through December 31, 2023 a hospice volunteer? A fulfilling experience in the spirit 4 E Fing Gy nce of giving and receiving. On 9h 1595