Serving our Seniors Magazine January - March 2025

Jean Trocchia has been managing her diabetes for several years. She boasted about the diabetic education she received through the local hospital, but that was ten years ago. “I thought I had a great instructor and the information was interesting to me.” Nonetheless, she recognized a lot has changed and she believed it was time for what she called a “refresher course.” She discovered the D iabetes E mpowerment E ducation P rogram, ( DEEP ) through the TOPS Club in Vermilion. ( TOPS stands for T ake O ff P ounds S ensibly.) Tina Sluga, Health Care Advocate Trainer, was invited to speak to the group about the 6-week, DEEP course. Jean took advantage of the opportunity and signed up. “My husband is very supportive. He drove me and my friend to Sandusky for the classes and he stayed to learn with me.” When I asked Jean what she liked about the course, she said, “Tina is really good at explaining things and keeps our attention.” The atmosphere is friendly and interactive and medical terms are not used. Explaining diabetes, using everyday language appeals to many who take the course. The next DEEP course starts on Thursday, January 9 through February 13, 2025. Another course is planned for March 2025. For more information, call Tina Sluga, Health Care Advocate Trainer (419-624-1856). DEEP: It’s Worth The Time If you are a household of 1 with a gross annual income of $26,355; a household of 2 with a gross annual income of $35,770 you may be eligible for a reduction on your heating bill. Serving Our Seniors can help you apply on-line, on paper or you may contact the Erie, Huron, Richland Counties Community Action Commission at 908 Seavers Way, Sandusky. Serving Our Seniors can also help you find the lowest price available if you heat with natural gas or electric. Don’t assume you are not being over charged. It’s worth looking at your bill. If you don’t know how to interpret your electric bill or gas bill, bring it to us and we will tell you what it says. Serving Our Seniors has received a grant to help older adults keep their heat on this winter. Those eligible to receive help with heating costs from Serving Our Seniors, must have paid something on their heating bill each and every month – in any amount. For more information call Serving Our Seniors 419-624-1856. Ask for a Senior Advocate Assistant. Help With Affording Your Heat Greg and Jean Trocchia Senior Advocate Assistants Amy, Pam, Wendy, and Roberta 18