January 6, 2022
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January
It Is Your Journey. We Adapt To You!
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING
Time to Live Well
A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
How Aging Adults Can Maintain A Healthy Weight Calorie-counting & watching one’s weight is often seen as a young person’s game. But even aging men & women should recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy weight. Older adults may experience weight gain or unintentional weight loss. Understanding how to address each in healthy ways is important. Weight loss tips: More than 2/3 of Americans, including adults age 65 & older, are overweight & obese, according to U.S. News & World Report. A combination of factors can contribute to weight gain in older adults, including a slower metabolism & a tendency to be more sedentary with age. Empty nesters also may be less likely to cook their own meals, relying on convenience foods - some of which may be high in fat and/or calories. Sustained healthy weight at any age is linked to improved heart health, mental health benefits like increased selfconfidence, healthy joints, & much more. These tips can help aging individuals maintain healthy weights. • Incorporate strength or resistance training into your weekly routine. Hormone production slows down as the body ages, & that may result in a loss of muscle mass. Lifting weights or engaging in resistance training with elastic bands or body weight can restore muscle tone & speed up metabolism. Adults should aim for strength training twice a week. • Monitor sugar & starch intake. Many older adults have elevated blood sugar levels due to insulin resistance. When cells become resistant to insulin, glucose doesn’t get used up & remains in the blood. Eventually this can lead to pre-diabetes, metabolic syndrome & type 2 diabetes. Many people with these conditions have a hard time losing weight. Avoiding added sugars & extra carbohydrates could help. • Practice portion control. A 60-year-old can’t eat the same way he or she did at age 30 or 40. Nutritionists say that, with every decade that passes, people generally need about 100 fewer calories a day to maintain their weights. Cutting calories slowly & steadily helps people maintain healthy weights, especially when they couple this with exercise. Avoiding malnutrition-related weight loss: Malnutrition is a common component in unintentional weight loss in aging populations. Reduction in senses of smell & taste, smaller appetites & lack of desire to make meals can contribute to malnutrition & weight loss. Underlying health problems also may lead to unwanted & unhealthy weight loss. Tracking weight loss & getting sufficient nutrients is vital to aging adults’ overall health. A 2014 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that having a body mass index at the lower end of the recommended age for adults increased risk for mortality more so than being overweight. Individuals whose BMI is less than 23 could be putting themselves in jeopardy. Older adults need to adjust their routines as they age in order to maintain healthy weights. Such adjustments can reduce seniors’ risk for disease & improve their quality of life.
Hatha Yoga At The Belvidere Park District Hatha Yoga is an ancient practice of physical well-being which promotes optimum health. Through the use of gentle stretching & deep breathing techniques, yoga tones muscles, increases strength & flexibility, reduces stress, improves concentration & results in a sense of balance & peace. The atmosphere of the class is quiet & soothing. Students are encouraged to work at their own pace. Wear loose fitting clothing & bring a blanket or mat. Classes are at the Rivers Edge Rec Center with Jeff Leaich as the instructor. Classes are offered both at the intermediate/advanced level and the beginning level. For class dates, times & prices or to register 24/7 visit belviderepark.org or call during business hours at 815-547-5711.
(815) 977-4903
7025 Rote Rd. Rockford
SanctuaryHospiceIL.com
Free Consultation • Wills • Trusts • Probate • Powers of Attorney • Nursing Home Planning • Real Estate
John H. Maville Attorney At Law 815-544-3165 www.mavillelaw.com Suite 307, 600 S. State, Belvidere Preserving Boone County’s Past For Our Future. We Are Always Looking For Donations Of Historical Artifacts For The Museum.
WWI German Binoculars From 1915 - 1918
Contact Us At 815-544-8391 or Director@bcmuseumofhistory.org The Ideal Setting For Your Next: Anniversary / Birthday Shower / Wedding Family Picnic Class Reunion & More
314 S. State St., Belvidere • bcmuseumofhistory.org
Extraordinary Senior Living Seniors live carefree lifestyles in a safe and secure environment where they make great friends, partake in hobbies and interests and enjoy independence even as their circumstances change.
www.wesleywillows.org
Call
815-316-1500
and discover Extraordinary Senior Living today!
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January 6, 2022
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
Interesting Facts About Martin Luther King Jr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of the most influential figures of the 21st century. King’s tireless activism during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s & 1960s improved the lives of millions of people, & his tragic assassination on April 4, 1968, marked one of the darkest days in American history. King’s oratory prowess is well-documented. Individuals across the globe are 1-17-22 familiar with his “I Have a Dream” speech, which King delivered during the March on Washington less than a year before his death. Less familiar are some other notable facts about the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. • If he were alive today, Martin Luther King, Jr. would still be years away from his 100th birthday. King was assassinated in 1968, when he was not yet 40 years old. Born in Atlanta in 1929, King could very much still be alive today & would have celebrated his 93rd birthday on January 15, 2022. • King was an extraordinarily gifted student. At an age when many students were preparing to enter their sophomore or junior year of high school, King began his freshman year of college at Morehouse College. King enrolled at Morehouse when he was 15 after the school opened enrollment to junior high students in an effort to overcome a dip in enrollment related to World War II. King passed the entrance exam & enrolled in fall of 1944. • King was ordained as a minister prior to graduating from Morehouse. The Baptist ministry was something of a family business for the Kings, as Martin Luther King Jr.’s father, grandfather & great grandfather were all Baptist ministers. However, King did not initially intend to follow that path. He ultimately changed course & entered the ministry at age 18, graduating from Morehouse with a degree in sociology a year later. • King survived a knife attack years before his assassination. King was stabbed in the chest with a letter opener during a book signing event in Harlem in 1958. His assailant, Izola Curry, was ultimately deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial. Though the attack did not kill him, King had to undergo intensive emergency surgery & was hospitalized for several weeks. • Conspiracy theories surround King’s assassination. King’s assassin, James Earl Ray, was found guilty & sentenced to 99 years in prison. Authorities, including the U.S. Department of Justice, concluded Ray, a career criminal, acted alone. However, some, including surviving members of King’s family, believed his assassination was part of a conspiracy. Despite his tragic assassination in 1968, Martin Luther King, Jr. left his mark on the world. That legacy is even more remarkable when considering the unique twists & turns King’s life took prior to his death.
6 Ways To Make Bathrooms A Safer Place Homes should be safe havens. But each year injuries in & around the home contribute to millions of medical visits & many fatalities each year. Although anywhere in a home can be the scene of an accident, bathrooms tend to be the most dangerous room. Slippery tile, the presence of water, stockpiled medications, & many hard edges in a small space pose several different hazards in the bathroom, particularly for people age 65 & up. The CDC says falls, which can result in serious injuries like hip fractures & head trauma, are the cause of 80% of all bathroom accidents. Many bathroom accidents are preventable with some easy modifications. 1. Reduce slippery surfaces. Wet tile is a recipe for slick conditions. Bath rugs with rubber backing can provide traction in the bathroom, as can non-slip mats placed on the floor of the bathtub or shower enclosure. Waterresistant flooring made from recycled rubber is another option. 2. Install lever-style fixtures. Round knobs in the bathroom can be difficult to grasp, especially for the elderly or those with arthritis. Lever-style fixtures are easier to maneuver & can help alleviate scalding from not being able to adequately adjust the water temperature. 3. Utilize transfer benches and shower seats. A transfer bench can help reduce injuries that occur when trying to climb over a tub wall. Benches are placed outside of the tub & a person sits & then swings his legs over the ledge. Transfer benches also can be used in conjunction with shower seats. 4. Discard old medications. Clean out the medicine cabinet of old or expired medications, including both prescription & over-the-counter drugs. This reduces the likelihood of medication confusion. 5. Install grab bars. Properly installed grab bars around the shower & toilet area can provide leverage & stability. AARP says many injuries to seniors occur when they are attempting to sit or get up from the toilet. Grab bars or an elevated toilet seat can help. 6. Install motion-detecting lights. These lights turn on automatically upon detecting movement, making them beneficial for people who routinely visit the bathroom in the middle of the night. Adequate illumination also can help reduce fall risk. Bathroom safety should be made a priority. Various modifications can make bathrooms safer.
An Affordable Assisted Lifestyle Community for the Older Adult. Call for Information!
ONSITE: • Beauty Parlor • Country Store • Physician Visits • Mail Service • Nursing Staff • Private Senior Apartments • Restaurant Style Dining • Housekeeping & Laundry • 24 Hr. Personal Care Assist. • In-House Emergency Response System • Medication Reminders & Assistance • Daily Activities & Transportation 4730 Squaw Prairie Rd. Belvidere
815-544-9495 www.hw-belvidere-slf.com Managed by Gardant Management Solutions
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Specializing In Short & Long Term Care Quality Healthcare Provided By A Professional Staff In addition to the highest quality care, we also strive to maintain the highest quality of life.
MapleCrest
4452 Squaw Prairie Road, Belvidere, IL 61008 tel: 815.547.6377 • fax: 815.547.3857 symphonymc.com
For A Private Tour Call Our Admissions Department Today
Rehabilitation Services Our rehab services extend far beyond the physical - it is about serving every aspect of an individual with care, kindness & respect. Our goal is to provide the necessary approach to facilitate a complete return to health & successful return to home.
Serving Boone County Over 40 Years!
Nor thwoods
2250 Pearl Street, Belvidere, IL 61008 tel: 815.544.0358 • fax: 815.544.5006 symphonynorthwoods.com
Comfort
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January 6, 2022
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.
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northernillinoishospice.org
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 Kelly Sumwalt (815) 547-5255 Property Manager for private showing.
ksumwalt@ludwigco.com fax: (815) 544-9568
YMCA
• For Youth Development • For Healthy Living • For Social Responsibility
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 www.belviderefamilyymca.org
BELVIDERE CEMETERY ASSOCIATION “Established 1847”
• Pre-Burial Arrangements • Cremation Burials • Columbarium Niches
SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
Is Tea Or Coffee The Healthier Choice?
at 815.398.0500 to discuss the best care options for you or your loved one.
Belvidere Family
BOONE COUNTY
• 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
Millions of people consume coffee or tea, with some even enjoying multiple cups of these caffeinated beverages daily. Coffee is known to perk a person up in the morning, while tea is touted as a relaxing drink that can ease away stress. Some may wonder if one of these popular beverages is more beneficial for overall health than the other. Both, it turns out, have distinctive benefits. Coffee & certain teas contain caffeine, a powerful stimulant for the central nervous system. Caffeine may improve endurance exercise outcomes & improve mental alertness. Healthline says that caffeine may reduce type 2 diabetes risk by improving insulin sensitivity. In addition, moderate caffeine intake has been linked to protective effects against dementia, metabolic syndrome & nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Since coffee tends to have higher concentrations of caffeine than black tea (95 mg vs. 47 mg per 8 oz. serving), it can provide more caffeine-related benefits than tea. Both tea & coffee have high levels of antioxidants that can help people reduce their risk for certain illnesses. The National Cancer Institute reports that antioxidants in both tea & coffee have been shown to slow the growth of cancerous tumors. Tea may help lower cholesterol & the polyphenols in tea could boost good bacteria in the gut, according to Eat This, Not That! People may be more inclined to drink more coffee & tea so they can consume more antioxidants. However, excess coffee consumption can make people jittery from too much caffeine. Since tea has less caffeine, it might make for a better choice. But tea & coffee provide similar health benefits, & one isn’t necessarily better than the other.
This Month’s Healthy Recipe Baked Acorn Squash Ingredients 1 medium to large acorn squash 1 medium onion, chopped 1 green or red pepper, chopped
Recipe Provided By The U of I Extension Office
1 tablespoon butter, unsalted 1/2 lb. cheddar cheese, grated 2 slices fresh bread
Nutrition Facts Per Serving (6 Servings) Calories 230 Total Fat 15 g Sodium 280 mg Carbohydrates 14 g Dietary Fiber 2 g Protein 11 g
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Wash hands with soap & water. Gently rub produce under running water 2. Place squash on a cookie sheet in oven. Bake for one hour, or until fork pierces skin easily. Reduce oven heat to 350 degrees. 3. Cool cooked squash for about 10 minutes or until it cooled enough to handle. 4. Cut the squash in half & scoop out seeds with a spoon. Throw the seeds away. 5. Scoop our all of the squash into a large mixing bowl, leaving the shell as intact as possible on the cookie sheet. 6. Heat a large skilled on the stovetop with butter, add the chopped onion & pepper & cook until tender. 7. Add cooked onion & pepper to the squash in bowl. Mix in grated cheddar cheese, reserving a handful to mix with bread crumbs. 8. Spoon the mixture back into the squash shells. Tear bread into small pieces & combine with the last of the cheese. 9. Sprinkle bread & cheese mixture on top of squash mixture inside the shells. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
Reminders From The Boone County Council On Aging Toward the end of January you may receive many documents for tax purposes. Even if you do not file taxes, you still need to keep these important documents. Some of the forms may be 1099’s from Social Security or any other source of income, bank statements, interest & dividend statements. Please keep all information that states it is for tax purposes to apply for programs & services. Advantage plan enrollment season January 1-March 2022. If you currently have a Medicare Advantage Plan, take advantage of the time to investigate all the plans you have to choose from, up to 42 plans, & see if you are on the one that best suits you. Many of these plans cover some dental & vision or offer a gym membership. Call your Information & Assistance Specialist to set up a time to go over your plan at 815-544-9893. You may qualify to have your Medicare Part B premium paid for if you meet these guidelines: Monthly income $1,435 per individual, $1,939 per couple & assets less than $7,730 per individual & $11,600 per couple. Do you qualify to get help with the cost of your Medicare medications? You might if you are within these guidelines: Monthly income less than $1,595 per individual, $2,155 per couple & assets less than $12,890 per individual & $25,720 per couple. For more information on these guidelines call 815-544-9893.
Memorial Bench & Tree Programs The Belvidere Park District invites all to honor departed family members & friends through the planting of a memorial tree in the park or placing a memorial bench in the park or along the trail. For more information and pricing about these programs, please contact Jonathan Cudzewicz, Superintendent of Parks at the Belvidere Park District, 815-547-5711 x28.
Our Family Is Here For Yours.
Our mission is to celebrate one’s life and help families navigate the journey of loss with a sense of hope. One of the most painful events we experience in life is the loss of a loved one. We believe that finding an appropriate and meaningful way to celebrate your loved one’s life while giving thanks to God for their life is the necessary foundation to healing. - Stephen Anderson
218 W. Hurlbut Ave. Belvidere 815-544-2616 www.AndersonFCS.com
Whether you call it a funeral service, memorial service, or commemoration service. Whether you choose burial or cremation, whether your budget is large or small. Whether you invite friends and community, or journey simply with your closest family members. We will help you design a unique and special ceremony.
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January 6, 2022
Complete Service Of Cars & Light Trucks
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
We Carry • Brakes & Suspension • Wheel Alignment • Shocks & Struts • Air Conditioning
See Our “Pros” For
• New Tires • Roadside Tire Service • Small Engine Sales & Service
Social Call Program Offered By The Boone County Council On Aging Letter From: Kelly Hillan, Exec. Director of The Keen Age Center
Dear Friends,
R. J. Daniels Fuel & Tire
The New Year finds us with many continued concerns rising from the Omicron variant of Covid-19. Our local health department reminds us that prevention continues to be the most effective tool. You are encouraged to get vaccinated, get boosted, & wear a mask in public indoor settings.
Fairgrounds Rd., Belvidere, IL 815-544-2118 8094Open Daily 7-5; Sat. 7-Noon
WE’RE HERE FOR YOU!
Keen Age Center
Info & Assistance
Boone County Council on Aging continues to be your resource for matters related to older people. Keeping older people connected is a primary focus. We are happy to provide a Covid-safe program that connects area older adults through friendly phone calls. Featured below is our very own Joyce Hanson, as she reaches out to a caller through our Social Call Program. With great care, we connect older people & volunteers for one-on-one phone conversations. Your new friendship starts here. If you are interested in connecting reach out to Cecilia Hernandez at 779-552-7251 or email chernandez@keenage.org for more information. Let us help you stay connected!
Kelly Hillan
Lending Closet
In-Home Care
Boone County Council On Aging 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere
815-544-9893 • www.keenage.org
give AS IF A LIFE DEPENDS ON IT ...because it does. MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT 815-965-8751 or rrvbc.org We are proud to serve Boone County and surrounding communities as the only provider of blood and blood products.
Joyce Hanson takes part in the Social Call Program.
How Vitamins Affect The Body At the dawn of a new year, it’s not uncommon for people take inventory of their personal health & strive to make positive changes. Being more conscientious of the foods they put into their bodies is a start, but some individuals may wonder if supplementation can help them go one step further. Nutrition Insight reports that 77% of American adults consume dietary supplements, & Nutraceuticals World indicates 98% of adult supplement users are taking vitamins & minerals. Individuals considering supplements should always discuss them with their physicians prior to including them in their health regimens. Even those who haven’t considered supplements can discuss them with their physicians. Various products can provide some significant benefits. • Vitamin A (retinoids/carotene): Beta carotene can be converted into vitamin A as needed. It plays an important role in vision, keeps tissues & skin healthy, and also is involved with bone growth. • Vitamin B1 (thiamin): Helps convert food into energy, & is essential for brain health & nerve function. • Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): Works with other B vitamins by promoting growth & the production of red blood cells. • Vitamin B3 (niacin): Helps convert food into energy. It’s also essential for healthy skin, blood cells, brain, & nervous system function. • Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): Helps make lipids, neurotransmitters, steroid hormones, & hemoglobin. • Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): This vitamin may reduce the risk of heart disease by helping to lower homocysteine levels. It also helps convert tryptophan into niacin & serotonin, a mood-regulating neurotransmitter. • Vitamin B9 (folate): Vital for new cell creation and may lower the risk for colon cancer. • Vitamin B12 (cobalamin): Vitamin B12 is important for metabolism & energy production. It also helps form red blood cells & maintain the central nervous system. • Biotin: Biotin helps to metabolize proteins & carbohydrates. It also promotes healthy bones & hair. • Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): This is an important antioxidant that promotes healthy teeth & gums. It also helps the body absorb iron & maintains healthy tissue by promoting wound healing. Vitamin C may help boost the immune system to help with illness prevention or recovery. • Vitamin D (calciferol): Also known as the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D is made in the body after individuals spend time in the sun. It is hard to get enough vitamin D from food sources alone. Vitamin D also helps the body absorb calcium, which is vital for healthy bones & teeth. • Vitamin E (tocopherol): An antioxidant that helps the body form red blood cells & use vitamin K. Scientists also are studying a potential relationship between vitamin E & a lower risk for Alzheimer’s disease. • Vitamin K (menadione): Vitamin K activates proteins & calcium essential to blood clotting. It also may help prevent hip fractures. In addition to these vitamins, the body needs various minerals, including calcium, iron, copper, iodine, magnesium, & more. Speak with a doctor or nutritionist to learn more about supplementation.
• All-On-4 Implants • Dental Implants • Implant Support Dentures • Bone Grafting • Cosmetic Dentistry • General Dentistry • Sleep Dentistry
2nd Opinions & Complimentary Consultations 140 N. State St., Belvidere, IL 61008
815-544-5144 CHAPKOANDSHAH.COM