Oviedo in the News

Chief's Corner

Drowsy Driving, What Can It Hurt?

Did you ever consider that when a person is driving while intoxicated or high on drugs and has an accident, it is not the drug use, but the affect the drug use has on the person's driving that is the issue? Almost everybody realizes how dangerous that is. On the other hand, there is another influence to our driving that we do not normally consider to be as dangerous. That other influence is lack of sleep while driving (drowsy driving).

"Studies show that after 17 to 19 hours without sleep," you are functioning as if "you've been drinking enough to raise your blood alcohol concentration to 0.05. Skip a full 20 to 25 hours of sleep, and you'll soon be at 0.1 -- well over the US legal driving limit of 0.08. A report published by the CDC found that more than a third of adults in the United States reported getting fewer than seven hours of sleep daily." This lack of sleep can easily move one to the same dangerous driving skills as a drunk driver. It matters not whether the lack of sleep is caused by a new baby waking every couple of hours, a late or long work shift, hanging out late with friends, or a long and monotonous drive (https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drowsy-driving). You are three times more likely to be in a car crash if you are fatigued.

"According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, every year about 100,000 police reported crashes involve drowsy driving. These crashes resulted in more than 1,550 fatalities and 71,000 injuries. It is a scary fact that studies have reported: (41%) of people admitting to having fallen asleep at the wheel at some point; more than one-quarter of the drivers (27%) admitting they had driven while they were “so sleepy that [they] had a hard time keeping [their] eyes open” within the past month; one in ten drivers (10%) reporting they did so within the past year. (AAA, 2010)."

The most important prevention to drowsy driving is getting adequate sleep on a daily basis. This is especially true prior to taking long trips. Avoid drinking any alcohol before driving. Consumption of alcohol interacts with sleepiness to increase drowsiness and impairment. Always check your prescription and over-the-counter medication labels to see if drowsiness could result from their use. For more tips on drowsy driving go to https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drowsy-driving. For more information on healthy sleep, see Healthy Sleep At A Glance at https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/sleep/healthy_sleep_atglance.pdf.

Please recognize that drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. As Chief of Police, I recognize we all have hectic lives that impact our sleeping. If you are one of those whose sleep pattern does not lend itself to regular sleep, be extra alert to your driving pattern for signs of drowsy driving. Let's all stay safe.

Dale Coleman, Chief of Police

Oviedo-Winter Springs Chamber of Commerce Business Spotlight

Comfort Keepers

It is common for seniors to feel overwhelmed or frustrated when daily tasks become challenging. The changes associated with aging take a toll not only on physical health, but mental health as well. One way to improve mental health is to encourage socialization. Any interaction with people outside of your immediate family is beneficial for a senior's memory and emotional health. Making a new connection is great for a senior’s mental health, providing an outlet for them to share stories and memories. Reliving these moments and sharing stories with a fresh audience keeps seniors mentally active and helps to bring up positive memories that stimulate their minds.

The relationships that are formed between caregiver and client go far beyond helping with chores. Comfort Keepers aren’t arbitrarily assigned to your loved one. Rather, a selection process helps create a foundation for genuine friendships to grow. With Comfort Keepers, your loved one is cared for by someone who is loving, patient, and compassionate. A Comfort Keeper is a companion, as well as an in-home caregiver. They provide as much or as little assistance as your loved one needs, whether it is with homemaking, personal care, or just spending time together. Comfort Keepers are passionate about creating trusting relationships with clients and ensuring your family is at ease knowing your senior loved one is comfortable and safe.

If you are looking for in-home care for yourself, your family, or a friend, give Comfort Keepers a call today at 407-542-7821.

FLORIDA BEARS

Bear sightings are common in Seminole County, and all Oviedo residents should be prepared!

AVOID ATTRACTING BEARS!

Garbage, pet foods, barbecue grills, and anything that smells like food attracts bears.
Don't leave your garbage can outside. Store trash and recyclables in bear-resistant containers or in a secure area until morning of pickup.
Feed pets inside or bring in bowls after your pets are finished eating.
Remove bird and wildlife feeders. Store pet or livestock feed indoors or in bear-resistant containers.
Protect your garden, compost pile, or livestock with electric fencing.
Clean meat smokers and grills with bleach or a degreasing agent.
If bears are rewarded with food (garbage, pet food, etc.) at your house, they will come back.

IF YOU SEE A BEAR

Remain calm, DO NOT run or play dead. Back away slowly and speak in a calm, assertive voice.
Make sure that you are in a safe area and that the bear has an escape route, then make some noise to scare the bear away.
Secure the attractants that are bringing the bear to your neighborhood.

Report a Bear Sighting to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

RECREATION PROGRAMS

SENIOR ACTIVITIES (50+)

Fridays

The Recreation and Parks Department and Northland Oviedo have joined together to offer Friday Afternoon Game Time. Every Friday, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., seniors are welcome to come hangout and socialize at the Northland Oviedo office, 1205 City View Center, Suite #1005, Oviedo, FL 32765. Dates are subject to change at any given time.

Senior Lunch N Learn - Thursday, November 14th, at the Center Lake Park Cultural Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Seniors (ages 50+) will enjoy lunch and an afternoon of learning. Our guest speaker will be from Hope Helps. Pre-registration is required with payment up to one week prior to class date. Call 407-971-5575 for more information.

GYM & ATHLETICS

Indoor Cycling (ages 16 and up) - Tuesday and Thursday evenings (6-7 p.m.). Daily rates apply. Packages of 20 visits or an unlimited annual option are available for purchase. Call 407-971-5565 for more information.
Pickleball (all ages) - Pickleball happens at the Gymnasium and Aquatic Facility on Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This indoor paddle sport combines features of tennis and table tennis. Call 407-971-5565 for more information.
Youth Flag Football (ages 5-14) - Registration is underway for winter Youth Flag Football through November 27th or until full. Call 407-971-5565 for more information.
Adult Flag Football (ages 18 and up) - Registration is underway for winter Adult Flag Football through January 6th or until full. Call 407-971-5565 for more information.
Youth Volleyball (ages 8-17) - Registration is underway for spring Youth Volleyball through January 9th or until full. Call 407-971-5565 for more information.
Rock Climbing League (6-14) - Registration is underway for the winter Rock Climbing League through January 10th or until full. Call 407-971-5565 for more information.
Youth Basketball (ages 5-17) - Registration is underway for spring Youth Basketball through January 17th or until full. Call 407-971-5565 for more information.

RECREATION PROGRAMS

SNAP Club - Wednesday, November 13th, at the Center Lake Park Cultural Center from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. This program is designed specifically for those with special needs, teenage and up. Participants must be accompanied by a companion. Activities include games, craft time, potlucks, bingo, and more. Call 407-971-5575 for more information.
Homeschool Activity Program - Thursday, November 14th, at Riverside Park Pool from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. This program is a structured exercise program with a monthly theme for children ages 6 to 13 who are home schooled. Pre-registration and pre-payment required. Call 407-971-5575 for more information.
Family Bingo - Friday, November 15th, at the Center Lake Park Cultural Center. Games start at 6:30 p.m. Space is limited and all players are admitted on a first come, first served basis. Concession stand will be open for snacks and beverages. Call 407-971-5575 for more information.
Teen Black Light Volleyball - Friday, November 15th, at Riverside Park from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Teens (age 12 to 17) may wear neon/black light paint or clothing that glows in the dark. Call 407-971-5575 for more information.
American Red Cross Babysitter Course – Tuesday, November 26th, at the Gymnasium and Aquatic Facility from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Youth ages 11 to 15 will learn the knowledge and skills necessary to safely give care to children and infants. This is a one-day class and space is limited to 10 participants. Call 407-971-5575 for more information.

AQUATICS

American Red Cross Lifeguard Course - Registration is underway for the next American Red Cross Lifeguard Course, which will be held December 14th, 15th, 21st, and 22nd. Classes are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Participants needs to be at least 15 years of age and be able to pass a swim test. Participants will learn lifeguard skills, as well as CPR, first aid, and how to use an AED.
Training Cudas - Training Cudas is our off-season Swim Team. Practices are Tuesdays and Thursdays through May 2020. Each month has a separate registration. Participants must be a previous Barracuda or Training Cudas swimmer or have passed a swim test. Registration for December begins November 18th at 9 a.m.
Water Aerobics (all ages) - Make a splash with Water Aerobics! Deep Aqua Fit is a non-impact, deep water aerobics class that works a variety of muscle groups, as well as the cardiovascular system. The class is held in the deep end of the pool and utilizes buoyancy belts and hand buoys. All equipment is available to use free of charge during the class. Call 407-971-5582 for more information.