Page 5
January 4, 2024
IT’S A ! NEW YEAR
Are You Ready? Unsure of your Medicare Plan for 2024? Do you have questions about your benefits or need further explanation?
Call Me, I Can Help! My Services Are Always FREE! 815-414-9044
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING
Are you one of the 28 Million Americans that didn’t have Health Insurance in 2023? It’s not too late to put a plan in place for the remainder of 2024. DEADLINE IS JANUARY 15TH.
A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
YVONNE
Self-Care Strategies To Protect Long-Term Mental Health
“Chevy”
Mental health has always been important, but the need for people to prioritize their emotional, psychological & social well-being gained greater attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing restrictions designed to reduce cases of COVID-19 contributed to feelings of isolation, depression & anxiety in millions of individuals across the globe, sparking a heightened sense of curiosity about what people can do to safeguard their mental health in the short-term but also over the course of their lives. Pandemic-related restrictions have long since been lifted throughout much of the world. But the need to prioritize mental health remains. The National Institute of Mental Health notes that self-care can play a vital role in maintaining mental health. With that in mind, individuals can consider these strategies as they look to safeguard their mental health over the long haul. • Exercise regularly. Exercise benefits the body in myriad ways, & those benefits extend to mental health. The NIMH reports that a 30-minute daily walk can boost mood. In addition, the United Kingdom-based Mental Health Foundation reports that regular physical activity positively affects self-esteem & can even lead to a reduction in stress & anxiety. That’s important to note, as the online medical resource Healthline reports that chronic anxiety can adversely affect the body’s nervous, cardiovascular, digestive, immune, & respiratory systems. The Belvidere Family YMCA offers many exercise programs. For more information call 815-547-5307 or visit belviderefamilyymca.org. • Maintain social connections. The NIMH also touts the benefits of maintaining social connections, including relying on friends & family for emotional support & practical help. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention notes that people who are socially connected & maintain stable & supportive relationships are more likely to have better mental health outcomes than those who don’t. Be a part of the Boone County Council on Aging’s Social Call Program. A friendly phone call can make all the difference! For more information on volunteering to make calls or receiving calls contact the BCCA at 815-544-9893. • Eat a nutritious, balanced diet. The American Society for Nutrition notes that diet can be an important ally for people looking to improve & preserve their mental health. Numerous studies have examined the relationship between diet & mental health, & the ASN notes a growing body of research suggests a strong connection between a healthy diet & mental health. A 2019 review published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that increased consumption of fruits & vegetables positively affects psychological health. That same review also indicated daily vegetable consumption provides a therapeutic effect that can help to reduce symptoms among people withTHURSDAY, clinical depression. APRIL 20TH • Resolve to read more. Much like exercise, reading has been linked to a host of positive health outcomes, including mental health benefits. A 2009 study from researchers at the University of Sussex found that reading can reduce stress by as much as 68 percent. Escapism is another potentially potent benefit of reading, as a recent report in Psychology Today noted that researchers believe narrative absorption, which refers to the experience of being immersed or engaged while reading a story, provides an escape or opportunity for mental reflection. Visit the Ida Public Library at 320 N. State St., Belvidere for a great selection for books, audio books & periodicals. Can’t get to the library? Check out the bookmobile schedule on Facebook at IDA BOOKMOBILE to see when the Bookmobile will be in your area. Self-care can go a long way toward promoting long-term mental health. Various strategies & activities fall under the umbrella of self-care, & each can have a profound & lasting effect on mental health.
Yvonne “Chevy” Peterson yvonne@medicare411co.com
SHADLEY APARTMENTS 1151 NETTIE STREET, BELVIDERE • MANAGED BY LUDWIG AND COMPANY •
SECTION 8 AFFORDABLE HOUSING These conveniently located and newly rehabbed, one bedroom apartments in Belvidere are specially designed for seniors and people with disabilities. Shadley Apartments is customized to facilitate independent living in a fully equipped apartment among friends and neighbors who share similar interests. Please contact Colisha Williams (815) 547-5255 Property Manager for private showing.
cwilliams@ludwigco.com fax: (815) 544-9568
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6660 Newburg Rd., Rockford • treatyourselfas.com
tara@treatyourselfas.com
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January 4, 2024
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
Martin Luther King, Jr. And Other Notable Civil Rights Activists Each January, millions of individuals across the United States & even beyond the nation’s borders pause to reflect on the contributions of Martin Luther King, Jr. Born in Atlanta on January 15, 1929, King’s life was tragically cut short in 1968, when he was assassinated in Memphis. Though King’s life was short, his impact was enormous. Ordained a pastor at the tender age of 19 in 1948, King became an influential civil rights leader who was named president of the Montgomery Improvement Association in 1955 & chairman of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957. King was a noted writer & orator, & his “Letter From Birmingham Jail,” written in 1963 in response to criticisms of efforts to combat segregation in Alabama, & “I Have a Dream” speech delivered during the March on Washington for Jobs & Freedom continue to inspire millions more than half a century later. In 1964, King received the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway, capping off a year that began with his being named Time magazine’s “Man of the Year” in January. King was shot & killed on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis less than four years after he received the Nobel Prize, but his impact continues to be felt & inspire generations of individuals. As the nation celebrates the birth of Martin Luther King, Jr. this January, individuals also can take time to consider the contributions of other influential advocates for civil rights. • Bayard Rustin: The subject of the critically acclaimed 2023 biopic “Rustin,” Bayard Rustin was a contemporary of Martin Luther King, Jr. who played an integral role in the March on Washington. Rustin was a homosexual & fought for others even while forced to keep parts of his own life in the shadows, as homosexuality was criminalized for much of his life. Rustin maintained a commitment to advocacy throughout his life, as evidenced by his public advocacy for gay rights in the 1980s. • Fannie Lou Hamer: Born into poverty in Mississippi in 1919, Fannie Lou Hamer became an outspoken advocate for civil rights in the 1960s. A survivor of police brutality after she & fellow activists were taken into police custody after entering a Mississippi cafe where they were refused service in 1963, Hamer also played an influential role in the women’s rights movement & encouraged & inspired many African Americans in her home state to become registered voters. • John Lewis: The late John Lewis served in the United States House of Representatives from 1987 until his death in 2020. Lewis was born into extreme poverty in Alabama in 1940 but became a widely respected & influential advocate for civil rights. Inspired after hearing a radio address by King in 1955, Lewis ultimately participated in many of the more notable civil rights demonstrations in the 1960s, including the Nashville sit-ins, the Freedom Rides & the March on Washington.
Our goal is to maximize quality of life, so you can enjoy time with those who mean the most to you.
BELVIDERE CEMETERY ASSOCIATION “Established 1847”
A Beginner’s Guide To Figure Skating Figure skating is both an athletic & artistic pursuit. Figure skaters often begin training at very young ages and undergo intense sessions if they have goals to skate competitively. However, the majority of people who take to the ice during the holiday season or when local rinks have open skate sessions probably do not aspire to compete in national competitions or the Olympics. Such individuals enjoy the physical workout & want to learn to skate better. It’s never too late to learn how to skate. These guidelines can help the process for beginners. • Start with realistic expectations. Your first time out on the ice might not be your finest hour of skating. Although some people are “naturals,” learning to balance on two thin blades on a very slick surface takes practice. Go slowly & expect that you will fall several times. Increase your confidence in small increments. • Build up your core. According to former professional figure skater Cleo McGee, ice skating is a sport that requires a lot of core strength. Enroll in a pilates or yoga class or another core-strengthening activity, which can help you once you’re on the ice. • Get the right equipment. Beginner skaters may be tempted to rent skates, & that is fine for the first time out on the ice. However, if you commit to figure skating, it’s best to purchase skates that fit you well. Also, invest in hip pads, padded shorts & knee pads to protect areas of the body when falls inevitably happen. • Avoid blisters & cold hands. Wear gloves & two pairs of socks to protect your extremities. It’s cold on the ice, particularly when skating outdoors. • Hit the rink at the right time. Learning to skate with dozens of harried skaters zooming around you can induce anxiety. If possible, try to visit the rink when it is relatively empty & the ice has been freshly prepped. Trying to glide when there is a lot of ice shavings & people can prove challenging. • Take some lessons. Learning the right technique is key, & the U.S. Figure Skating Assoc. recommends working with a trained coach. These early lessons will help you learn basics like skating on two feet, stopping, performing dips, getting up from falls, & eventually spins & jumps, if desired. Learning proper skills from the start can move progress along & help prevent injuries. Visit Riverside Ice Arena at Doty Park. Public skate times are Mon.-Thurs. 4-6 PM, Friday 4-9 PM, Sat. & Sun. 12-7 PM. Figure skate times are Sundays 10-11:45 AM. Daily Admission is just $5 for adults.
Free Consultation • Wills • Trusts • Probate • Real Estate John H. Maville Attorney At Law 815-544-3165 www.mavillelaw.com Suite 307, 600 S. State, Belvidere
The Power Of Endowment & Leaving A Legacy When you create or donate to an existing fund through the Boone County Community Foundation, you help to provide a steady & reliable source of annual support for not only our community but a cause you love. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE DURING YOUR LIFETIME & BEYOND.
For information: Melissa Erickson, Executive Director 600 S. State St., Ste. 302, Belvidere merickson@boonecountycf.org
815-544-7231 l boonecountycf.org
• Pre-Burial Arrangements • Cremation Burials • Columbarium Niches
• Memorial Markers • Affordable Prices • Park-like Setting
Frank Lloyd Wright Pettit Memorial Chapel On Cemetery Grounds 1121 N. Main, Belvidere • 815-547-7642 belviderecemetery@comcast.net
Complete Service Of Cars & Light Trucks
We Carry
See Our “Pros” For
• Brakes & Suspension • New Tires • Wheel Alignment • Roadside Tire Service • Shocks & Struts • Small Engine Sales & • Air Conditioning Service
R. J. Daniels Fuel & Tire Fairgrounds Rd., Belvidere, IL 815-544-2118 8094Open Daily 7-5; Sat. 7-Noon
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January 4, 2024
Live Your Best Life
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
Fill Up On Healthy Eating Pointers
Residents are at the heart of all we do. We operate with integrity and are passionate about the services we provide as we live our core values of Love, Compassion and Dignity every day. Schedule your visit to our community today!
Melvin & Mildred Banks Gallery
Diet & exercise are the key components of maintaining a healthy weight & protecting yourself against chronic disease. Eating smart & being active have similar effects, including reducing risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, some cancers, & diabetes. In addition, these healthy living strategies can improve personal appearance & improve overall well-being - helping people live longer & maintain their independence. People may wonder how to eat better when faced with many diets. It can be confusing when navigating all of the options, & there is no magic formula to eating better. Common sense can come into play when attempting to eat better, & individuals also can consider these strategies to make diet work for them as they seek to live healthier. • Eat colorful, varied, nutritionally dense foods. Medical News Today says each meal should be 50% fruit & vegetables, 25% whole grains, & 25% protein. Select an array of colorful foods that will provide most of the nutrients needed. • Choose fiber-rich foods. Fresh fruits & vegetables, whole grains, nuts, & legumes are good sources of fiber. Fiber helps maintain digestive health & can help you to feel fuller longer, reducing the potential for overeating. • Note how you feel after eating. Create a food journal where you jot down notes about how you feel after eating certain foods. If you notice certain foods or ingredients trigger adverse reactions, it may be worth avoiding that type of food or looking for an alternative. • Explore the Mediterranean diet. Avoid fad diets that often produce short-term but unsustainable results, a Mediterranean diet has stood the test of time. Middle-aged & older adults with overweight or obesity & metabolic syndrome lost visceral fat (belly fat) & showed a greater reduction in the percentage of total fat while adhering to a Mediterranean diet. They also had delayed loss of lean body mass, which often comes with aging. Mediterranean diets prioritize legumes, seafood, vegetables, & “good” fats like olive oil. • Control portion sizes. Weighing & measuring food can help control portions & understand how many calories you’re consuming each day. Eating plans that favor 1,200-1,500 calories per day for women & 1,500-1,800 for men are good targets to lose weight at a healthy pace when combined with moderate exercise. Balanced eating is a major component of a healthy lifestyle. While there are many fad diets, eating plans with a proven track record that are supported by the medical community may be your best bet.
This Month’s Healthy Recipe
Nutrition Facts Per Serving (4 Servings)
Provided By The Chickpeas & Spinach Sauté Recipe U of I Extension Office Calories 206
Displays Melvin’s love of the land and interest in Boone County Conservation with Mildred’s passion for photography
Ingredients 1 T. vegetable oil 1 yellow onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1 celery stalk, chopped 1 carrot, chopped 1/2 t. salt 1/4 cup water
Open Wed.-Fri. 10 AM - 4 PM & Sat. 10 AM - 3 PM The Ideal Setting For Your Next: Anniversary / Birthday Shower / Wedding Family Picnic Class Reunion & More
815-544-8391
314 S. State St., Belvidere • bcmuseumofhistory.org
Need A Little Help Out Of Your Chair?
WE HAVE LIFT CHAIRS! 315 S. State St. Belvidere 815-547-6672
HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 9:30-5; Fri. 9:30-6; Sat. 9:30-4; Closed Sun. FURNITURE
2nd Opinions & Complimentary Consultations • All-On-4 Implants • Sleep Dentistry • Dental Implants • General Dentistry • Dentures/Partials We are officially moved into our new state-of-the-art facility
530 S. State St., Belvidere, IL 61008
815-544-5144
CHAPKOANDSHAH.COM
1 can (14.5 oz) low sodium diced tomatoes 1 can (16 oz) low sodium chickpeas, drained & rinsed 1 pkg. (10 oz) frozen spinach 1 t. fresh lemon juice 1/4 t. crushed red pepper flake Cooked quinoa or brown rice (optional but not included in nutrition facts)
Total Fat 6 g Sodium 560 mg Carbohydrates 28 g Fiber 10 g Protein 10 g
Directions 1. Wash hands with soap & water. Place large skillet on stove over medium high heat. Add oil. 2. Add onion, garlic, celery & carrot, and cook about 15 minutes until vegetables begin to get soft & onions are lightly browned. 3. Raise the heat to high & add tomatoes, chickpeas, salt & water & cook for 5 minutes. Lower the heat to low & top the mixture with spinach. No need to stir. Cover & cook until spinach is thawed & heated through, about 10 minutes. 4. Add lemon juice & red pepper flakes, stir thoroughly. Can be served alone or with cooked brown rice or quinoa.
Tips To Help Houseplants Thrive Over The Winter During winter, warm & dry indoor air also can affect houseplants, which underscores how important it is to change your indoor plant care routine in winter. • Cut back on watering, if necessary. The relationship between sunlight & water in regard to houseplants is simple: The more light plants get, the more water they need. Because there’s less daylight in winter, houseplants may not need to be watered as frequently as they will during other times of year. • Mobilize your houseplants. Some houseplants may be too large & heavy to move. However, smaller plants may benefit from being more mobile. When moving houseplants, move them to a spot where they can get ample sunlight during the day. • Keep plants away from vents. It’s always best to keep houseplants away from heating vents so they won’t dry out & potentially die. • Check for uninvited guests. Summer might be the season most synonymous with pests, but houseplants are not invulnerable to uninvited pest guests in winter. Spider mites are common winter pests because they like warm & dry conditions. Inspect the tops & undersides of houseplant leaves & stems for signs of pest infestation. Treat small infestations with an alcohol-soaked cotton ball. Large infestations may require the use of insecticidal soap. Winter is harsh on humans & can be hard on houseplants as well. Some simple strategies can help houseplants get through the season.
IN-HOME
CARE
Trained home care professionals committed to improving the quality of life for your loved ones - safely & with respect
Assistance With Household & Personal Tasks: - Cleaning - Planning & Preparing Meals - Following Special Diets
- Doing Laundry - Shopping - Running Errands
- Dressing - Bathing - Grooming
To Learn More Contact Amber 779-552-7256
Boone County Council On Aging 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere
815-544-9893 • www.keenage.org
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January 4, 2024
BOONE COUNTY
ARE YOU DEALING WITH HAIR LOSS?
CHRISTINA CAN HELP!
SENIOR LIVING
I provide natural, beautiful, customized products that help you regain a great sense of confidence & well-being. I am able to create a hair prosthesis & deliver it as quickly as overnight.
A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
BCCA Provides Non-Medical In-Home Care
Call to schedule your private, in-person or virtual consultation.
Submitted By: Kelly Hillan, Exec. Director of The Keen Age Center
To help older adults stay in their homes as long as possible, Boone County Council on Aging (BCCA) provides non-medical in-home care through the Community Care Program (CCP). CCP aims to assist older adults in maintaining their independence & providing cost-effective alternatives to nursing home placement. In-Home Service helps with household tasks such as cleaning, planning & preparing meals, doing laundry, shopping & running errands. Homecare aides also assist participants with personal care tasks, such as dressing, bathing, grooming and following special diets. BCCA hires & trains Homecare Aides to provide in-home care services. The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) has also implemented a Preferred Worker Program to support CCP services. The preferred provider program allows older adults to have a family member serve as their Homecare Aide. We recognize that some clients are more comfortable with a daughter, son, son in-law, or daughter in-law taking care of their needs. Clients cannot request a spouse to be their caregiver, but any other family member can be a preferred worker for the client. The Community Care Program is available to any person who requests services & meets all current eligibility requirements. • 60 years old or older • Either U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens within the specific categories • Residents of Illinois • Have non-exempt assets of $17,500 or less (Your home, car, or personal furnishings are classified as exempt assets) • Have an assessed need for long-term care (to be at risk for nursing facility placement as measured by the Determination of Need (DON) assessment) • Apply for and, if eligible, enroll in Medicaid If you are interested in learning more about the in-home care services, whether they are provided by a family member or one of BCCA’s staff contact Amber at (779) 552-7256.
815-544-6629
Belvidere • For Youth Development • For Healthy Living Family • For Social Responsibility
YMCA
815-547-5307
• Programs Recommended By Arthritis Foundation • Fitness Center With Trained Staff • Fitness Classes Free With Membership • 85 Degree Swimming Pool • Adult Lap & Open Times Throughout The Day • Discounted And Subsidized Memberships • Silver Sneakers And Silver & Fit Accepted
220 West Locust, Belvidere, IL 61008
What To Know About Becoming A Blood Donor
www.belviderefamilyymca.org
Caring
Call us
at 815.398.0500 to discuss the best care options for you or your loved one.
northernillinoishospice.org
BELVIDERE COLLECTIBLE COINS
We want to buy your unwanted gold & silver, jewelry, coins & silverware FOR IMMEDIATE PAYMENT. Bring in your antique and/or used jewelry, gold, silverware & estate jewelry for an offer.
WE PAY 10% MORE For Your Gold & SilverJewelry With This Ad.
815-547-7111 880 Belvidere Rd., Belvidere bcoins60@yahoo.com • goldsilverjewelrycoin.com
© Northern Illinois Hospice 2023
First in
You and your family are our top priority. As the region’s first hospice provider, no one has more experience putting you first.
Hospitals have an urgent need for blood donations, as demand continues to outpace blood supplies, according to the American Red Cross. The organization says fewer donors contributed to the blood supply over the summer in 2023, creating a national blood shortage. As of the fall of 2023, donors of all types were urgently needed, & there was an emergency need for platelet donors & type O blood. Individuals who are considering giving blood are urged to do so. Most people are eligible to give blood if they are in good health, although there are some basic eligibility guidelines, says the World Health Organization. • Individuals age 18-65 often can give blood. A person must weigh at least 110 lbs. • One must feel well on the day of the donation, & should not have a cold, flu, sore throat, cold sore, stomach bug, or any other infection. There are some reasons why people may be excluded from giving blood. These vary depending on the state, so it’s best to get clarification on the rules from a local donation organization. People who may be excluded include: • Individuals taking antibiotics for an infection. • Individuals who are currently using certain medications like anti-platelet agents, anticoagulants, acne treatments, drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis, hair loss remedy or prostate symptom products, immunosuppressants, HIV prevention drugs, & more. A certain period of time between last usage & blood donation may need to pass, and more information can be obtained by speaking with a doctor. • Individuals who have undergone dental surgery in the last 72 hours. • Individuals with a history of HIV/AIDS. • Individuals who have hepatitis or have come into close contact with hepatitis. • Individuals who have used illegal IV drugs. • Individuals who have experienced an unintentional needle stick. • Individuals who, in the three months prior to donating, have traveled to an area where malaria is common. • Individuals who spent a combined total of three months or more in the United Kingdom between 1980 & 1996. • Individuals who spent a combined total of five years or more in France or Ireland between 1980 & 2001. • Individuals who have gotten a tattoo in the last three months. It is not advisable to give blood while pregnant or while breast-feeding. The need for blood is constant because it’s the blood on the shelves that saves lives. As the only supplier of blood to 14 local hospitals, the Rock River Valley Blood Center needs to see 800 donors a week to meet demand. Schedule your donation today at the Belvidere Donor Center, 1740 S. State Street by calling 877RRVBC-99. Their hours are Monday & Tuesday, 9 AM - 5 PM and the third Saturday of each month 7-11 AM. Boone County VFW Post 1461 will host a Blood Drive Thursday, January 18th from 1-6 PM. Please sign up in the lounge or go to the RRVBC website at rrvbc.org to sign up for a time slot. The post is located at 1310 W. Lincoln Ave. Giving blood can be a lifesaving gesture. Even if a person is not eligible to give blood, he or she can still volunteer with a blood collection organization & spread the word about blood donation.
Mon.-Fri. 10 AM - 5 PM, Sat. 10 AM - 2 PM
We Can Help You Say It
DISPILL MEDICATION PACKAGING Prevents Your Loved One From Missing Medications
Better!
GORGEOUS FRESH ARRANGEMENTS GREEN & BLOOMING PLANTS UNIQUE SEASONAL GIFTWARE FUNERALS • WEDDING QUINCEAÑERAS FANNIE MAY • GNOMES DAILY DELIVERIES
The UPS Store® HOME HEALTHCARE DEPT Walkers, Wheelchairs, Bath Benches & More NEEDS A DRIVE-THRU WHEN W HO WE D vailable 6 Days A W Delivery A eek M ELIVE on.Sat R! .
227 Logan Ave., Belvidere theflowerbinetc.com
O’Brien’s Pharmacy
MON.-FRI. 8:30 AM - 5 PM • SAT. 8 AM - 2 PM
216 S. State St., Belvidere 815-544-3433
(815) 544-2800 Etc.
Celebrating
Schedule an Appointment to Donate 815-965-8751 or rrvbc.org