Page 7
October 19, 2023
October is
Breast Cancer
Awareness MONTH BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
Groups At Elevated Risk For Breast Cancer The number of women diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 exceeded two million. That figure, courtesy of the World Health Organization, underscores the significance of the threat posed by the disease. Though no one is immune to breast cancer, researchers have concluded that certain groups have a higher risk of developing the disease than others. Women who recognize their personal risk for breast cancer may not be able to change certain factors that increase their chances of developing the disease. However, recognition of their personal risk could put women in a position to lower that risk in other ways. According to the WHO, the following are some groups who are at elevated risk of developing breast cancer. • Women: Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that less than 1% of all breast cancer cases occur in men. Though it’s still important for men to recognize they’re not immune to the disease, women must also recognize that nearly all of the more than two million annual breast cancer diagnoses across the globe are found in women. • Women 50 and older: The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention reports that most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older. A report from the National Cancer Institute indicates that a 30year-old woman has a 1 in 204 chance (0.49%) of being diagnosed with breast cancer, while a 40-year-old has a 1 in 65 chance (1.55%) of being diagnosed. By the time women reach age 60, their risk is 1 in 28 (3.54%), while a 70-year-old has a 1 in 24 chance (4.09%) of being diagnosed. Though women of any age can get the disease, the risk clearly increases as women get older. • Women who meet the criteria for being overweight or obese: The nonprofit organization Susan G. Komen®, which helps to raise funds for the fight against breast cancer, notes that women who are overweight or obese after menopause have a 20-60% higher risk of developing breast cancer than women who are not overweight or obese. The American Cancer Society reports that having more fat tissue increases breast cancer risk because it raises estrogen levels. However, the ACS notes the link between weight & breast cancer risk is complicated, so it’s worth it for women concerned about their cancer risk to open a dialogue with their physicians. • Women who consume alcohol: The MD Anderson Cancer Center reports that alcohol consumption & breast cancer risk are linked. Though the precise cause of the link is unknown, one theory suggests that consuming alcohol can increase estrogen levels as well as the levels of other hormones associated with breast cancer. However, the MDACC warns that the risk is very low, particularly for women who limit their consumption to one drink or less per day. Routinely consuming more than one alcoholic drink per day is a cause for concern.
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”
• 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
THURSDAY, APRIL 20TH It’s vital that women recognize their risk for breast cancer. Though any woman can be diagnosed with breast cancer, certain factors, including some that can be avoided, can increase a woman’s risk for the disease.
Medicare Open Enrollment Now - December 7th
We Carry
The Boone County Council on Aging offers limited appointments to assist with Medicare. The Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) has information & assistance specialists that are certified SHIP counselors to help you review your prescription drug plans to ensure you are taking advantage of savings. They can also provide information & resources about applying for Medicare.
See Our “Pros” For
Call 815-544-9893 to make an appointment. You will need your Medicare Card (red, white & blue card); up to date prescriptions & dosages; and Medicare login information if you have it.
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
• 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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October 19, 2023
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING
Live Your Best Life
A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
Some Of The World’s Beautiful, Yet Haunted Places People often love to explore the uncanny & unexplained as Halloween draws near. One way to do so is to visit some of the purportedly haunted places around the world that also happen to be spectacularly beautiful. Not only is this a great way to get in some travel time, it also can elicit thrills, as one never knows what to expect when visiting the following locales. Casa Loma, Toronto, Canada: This gothic revival castle was completed in 1914. It is built with secret passageways & hidden storage areas. Legend has it that ghosts have been spotted on the property for years. The estate is transformed into a haunted house for Halloween each year. Winchester Mystery House, San Jose, California: When Winchester Rifles heiress Sarah Winchester lost her husband & infant daughter, a psychic medium told her it was payback by the spirits of all of the people harmed by Winchester rifles. She was told to build a house large enough to accommodate all of the angry spirits. The Winchester Mystery House has 160 rooms, secret passageways, upside-down columns, & staircases to nowhere to confuse spirits. Visitors have experienced all sorts of unexplained phenomena within the walls of the house. Raynham Hall, Norfolk, England: Within this English hall, a mysterious “Brown Lady,” rumored to be Lady Dorothy Walpole, supposedly roams. She was captured on film in the December 1936 edition of Country Life. Driskill Hotel, Austin, Texas: This historic landmark was opened in 1886 by cattle baron Jesse Driskill. It has a well-known history of paranormal activity following the deaths of guests, which include two honeymooning women who took their own lives in the same room 20 years apart. Larnach Castle, Dunedin, New Zealand: The lone castle in New Zealand is a beautiful building set amid misty gardens. It is rumored that the castle’s builder, a politician named William Larnach, witnessed the death of his daughter & two wives in the house before taking his own life on the property. Larnach’s ghost supposedly watches over the castle & is responsible for paranormal events. Poveglia, Venice, Italy: The island of Poveglia is a short ride from Venice, & used to be a quarantine zone for people suffering from the plague. The island later housed a psychiatric hospital. Many people attest to the island being a prime spot for paranormal activity. One if by Land, Two if by Sea, New York City: Located in the West Village neighborhood of Manhattan, this restaurant once was the carriage house of Aaron Burr. The eatery supposedly is haunted by upwards of 20 ghosts, including Burr & his daughter, Theodosia. Port Arthur, Australia: Port Arthur is filled with reports of paranormal spectacles. The spot originally was a penal colony in the 19th century where prisoners endured mandatory church services & solitary confinement to correct poor behavior. Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica: Rose Hall once was the residence of plantation owner John Palmer & his English-born wife, Annie. She poisoned him to take control of the plantation & fortune. Annie was known as The White Witch by slaves on the property because she practiced voodoo & tortured workers, never mind killing her second & third husbands as well. It is said The White Witch, who is encased in a stone tomb on the property, still roams the grounds as a spirit & terrorizes guests. Haunted locales dot the global landscape. Many are beautiful to behold, even while they put a scare in visitors.
This Month’s Healthy Recipe Nutrition Facts
Apple Plum Crisp Ingredients 1/4 cup instant oatmeal 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Recipe Provided By The U of I Extension Office
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1-1/2 tablespoons butter, melted 2 small apples* 2 small plums or 1/4 cup dried plums, chopped
Calories 110 Total Fat 2.5 g Sodium 20 mg Carbohydrates 21 g Fiber 2 g Protein 1 g
*For best results use a baking variety of apple like McIntosh, Granny Smith, Jonagold, or Braeburn
Books & Breads With The Bread Monk Father Dominic the Bread Monk says he got his culinary education between his mother’s kitchen, PBS & the public library. Ida Public Library is hosting his program presenting breads featured in or inspired by literature on Thursday, November 2nd at 6 PM. He demonstrates Winnie the Pooh’s Honey Nut Buns, Corn Sticks inspired by The Little House on the Prairie series, Victorian Seed Cakes from books such as The Hobbit, Ulyssus, & More! You won’t want to miss the sampling of the “I Love A Mystery Bread”. All ages welcome. Program will take place at the Ida Public Library, 320 N. State Street. Registration is required. To register please visit idapubliclibrary.org/registration or call 815-544-3838.
• All-On-4 Implants • Sleep Dentistry • Dental Implants • General Dentistry • Dentures/Partials
Schedule your visit to our community today!
Book The Funderburg House For Your Next Event
Birthdays, Anniversaries, Meetings, Office Parties, Reunions, Bridal Showers, Baby Showers, Family Pictures & More
Per Serving (8 Servings)
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray an 8x8 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Wash hands with soap & water. 2. In a bowl, combine oatmeal, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg & butter. 3. Gently rub fruit under cool running water. Core & thinly slice apples. Core & thinly slice fresh plums, if using dried plums, chop. 4. Spread apple & plum slices/pieces evenly over surface of baking dish. Sprinkle the oatmeal & flour mixture over the fruit. 5. Bake for 30 minutes or until fruit is tender & topping is golden brown.
2nd Opinions & Complimentary Consultations
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.
815-544-8391 funderburghouse.org The Funderburg House, 605 N. State Street, Belvidere
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
MEDICARE
Open Enrollment OCTOBER 15TH TO DECEMBER 7TH
We Are Here To Help You Through The Process.
We are officially moved into our new state-of-the-art facility
CALL 815-544-9893 TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT
530 S. State St., Belvidere, IL 61008
Boone County Council On Aging
815-544-5144
CHAPKOANDSHAH.COM
2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere
815-544-9893 www.keenage.org
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October 19, 2023
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
Thank You For Helping Celebrate Our Golden Anniversary
Call to schedule your private, in-person or virtual consultation.
Submitted By: Kelly Hillan, Exec. Director of The Keen Age Center
We were delighted by the turnout for our recent 50th Anniversary Open house. Thank you to all that helped us celebrate! The day came together through our wonderful staff & board members going above & beyond - giving of their time & talents. At the beginning of 2023, as I thought about the celebration of our 50th Anniversary, the first thing that came to my mind was the fact that the 50th is customarily known as a Golden Anniversary. This idea of being golden fits our celebration in three ways - the golden anniversary, the agency being golden, as well as those we serve living in their golden years. When someone says “you’re golden” we take it to mean, we are doing something right or we are doing something well. And then along with this idea of being golden, I thought about the term “golden years” which paints the retirement years as a time for leisure & relaxation - an endless holiday, right? The thought is that you’ve worked hard all these years & you have earned those “golden years.” So being golden was fitting in multiple ways. But what also struck me is that anything that we do that has an impact on others is because we do it together. The key to our success comes from working together, as an organization, as a community, & with the older people we serve; for without them we lose our purpose. Every day, we are the fulfillment of the vision & persistence of those that dreamed of a drop-in center for Senior Citizens in Belvidere back in the ‘70s; we carry out their desire to make sure that older adults had nutritious meals, that they could stay connected through the Keen Age Center, that they could continue to live safely in their homes & that their transportation needs were met. Frequently I feel some regret that I never met many of the people that made their mark on our agency. I am hesitant to start listing names & giving credit to one person or another for fear that I will leave someone out. What I do know is that Margaret Mead’s quote was true in 1973 & 50 years later continues to be lived out daily at our agency. And what Mead says is, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” I am filled with a sense of pride & awed by the agency’s accomplishments. From concept & vision to where we stand today, we have overcome challenges, embraced change, & achieved remarkable success. For the last 50 years we have carried on the work of this small group of committed citizens that Mead described. Our work together, our collective efforts, allow us to bring about positive change, empower individuals & make a significant difference in our community. It really is TOGETHER that WE ARE GOLDEN!
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 www.belviderefamilyymca.org
BELVIDERE COLLECTIBLE COINS
We want to buy your unwanted gold & silver, jewelry, coins & silverware FOR IMMEDIATE PAYMENT.
5 Ways To Protect Hearing Every Day
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 Mon.-Fri. 10 AM - 5 PM, Sat. 10 AM - 2 PM
Caring
© 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.
Call us
at 815.398.0500 to discuss the best care options for you or your loved one.
northernillinoishospice.org
DISPILL MEDICATION PACKAGING Prevents Your Loved One From Missing Medications
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! .
O’Brien’s Pharmacy
216 S. State St., Belvidere 815-544-3433
The saying “you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone” is never more true than in regard to hearing. It’s easy to take hearing for granted, but even momentary hearing loss can highlight how vital it is to protect hearing. People rely on headphones or ear buds to listen to music, stream movies or participate in work-related meetings more than ever before. Having the volume too loud can contribute to hearing loss over time. Overall, 48 million people in the United States have trouble hearing in one or both of their ears. Johns Hopkins Medical Center reports approximately 15% of adults 18 years of age or older report some trouble hearing, and the risk of hearing problems increases with age. Once it’s gone, hearing cannot be restored in many cases. To protect hearing & guard against future hearing loss, consider these recommendations. 1. Ask for a baseline hearing test. It’s easier to measure hearing loss if there is a baseline by which it can be measured. During your annual physical, ask for a hearing test or a referral to an audiologist. This can set the course for monitoring progression of any future hearing loss. 2. Wear hearing protection. There are various types of hearing protection that can filter out certain levels of sound. Many earplugs, like the ones musicians wear or those worn when attending rock concerts, can reduce the sound by approx. 25 dB. Custom fit ear plugs provide more noise reduction, in upwards of 35-40 dB. They are optimal for high-noise environments, such as when mowing lawns or operating machinery. 3. Turn down the volume. Experts recommend adhering to the 60/60 rule when enjoying audio through headphones. This suggestion is to listen with the headphones at no more than 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes a day. Earbuds fit directly next to the eardrum & can be harmful to your hearing. If possible, choose over-the-ear headphones instead. 4. Have custom molds made. Rather than turning up the volume, people can have custom ear molds made for use with earphones. The custom ear molds will block outside noise, allowing for higher quality listening. 5. Keep your ears dry. Moisture in the ear can cause bacteria to grow & potentially lead to infections. Towel-dry ears gently after showering or swimming. Avoid the temptation to use cotton swabs to dry the ears. For the most part, ears are self-cleaning, using a cotton swab can push wax & cause it to become compacted in the ear canal. In addition to these tips, discussing hearing health with a doctor is a wise idea.
We Can Help You Say It
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227 Logan Ave., Belvidere theflowerbinetc.com
MON.-FRI. 8:30 AM - 5 PM • SAT. 8 AM - 2 PM
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October 19, 2023
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
Signs It Could Be Time To Move To Assisted Living
$
Assisted living facilities provide a vital service to families across the globe. In fact, more than 800,000 people in the United States are currently living in assisted living facilities. The decision to move oneself or an aging relative into an assisted living facility is complicated. Though such facilities typically offer an excellent standard of care, it can still be bittersweet for an individual to leave his or her home. It also can be difficult to identify when is the best time to make such a transition. Though each individual case is unique, the following are some indicators that the time might be right to move oneself or an aging loved one into an assisted living facility. • Emotional challenges: The National Council on Aging notes that certain emotional challenges may indicate the time is right for an individual to move into an assisted living facility. Individuals making such a decision independent of others should ask themselves if they are experiencing feelings of loneliness or depression. Assisted living facilities can provide much-needed social interaction that seniors may not get at home. If feelings of loneliness or depression are present, then the time might be right to make the move to assisted living. • Physical challenges: Many individuals move into assisted living facilities because the physical challenges of daily life have become too significant to handle alone. Individuals who are feeling overwhelmed by tasks such as buying groceries, cooking & cleaning may benefit from moving into assisted living facilities that handle such tasks. • Issues with hygiene: The presence of additional challenges related to hygiene also may suggest a move to an assisted living facility may be beneficial. Staff at assisted living facilities can help adults who are struggling to bathe, dress themselves or use a restroom on their own. Family members can look for signs that a loved one’s personal hygiene has taken a turn for the worse. Issues with hygiene can be a byproduct of depression, & poor hygiene also can increase risk for infection & illness. • Injuries: Falls or near-falls are another potential sign that a person can benefit from moving to an assisted living facility. Falls can hurt anyone, but they can be especially damaging to aging adults. Falls may result in loss of independence, chronic pain & reduced quality of life. Assisted living facilities are often equipped with features to reduce risk of falls, such as grab bars in showers & bathrooms and even along corridor walls. In addition, assisted living facilties may be housed in single-story buildings or equipped with elevators, which means residents won’t have to navigate potentially dangerous stairs. Staff also can respond quickly if residents experience a fall, providing much-needed assistance that seniors may not get at home. Various signs may indicate that the time is right for individuals to move into an assisted living facility so they can more safely navigate daily life.
999.00
$
89.00*
(*routine extractions with immediate dentures)
ONLY $1!!! (offer expires Dec. 31, 2023)
ST
Belvidere,
New Dental Facility In Harvard
IL
REET P
UB
111 BUCHANAN ST. | BELVIDERE, IL 61008 815-547-1012 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK | 11AM – 2 AM
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
Comfort Denture Lab & Clinic is a new dental facility in Harvard. The idea for this new office is the product of 35 years of dentistry by owner Dr. John Minalt. Dr. Minalt was in private practice for those years & always had a focus on dentures with in-office labs being a feature of those practices. With Dr. Minalt’s extensive training in anesthesia & dental implants the practice was directed towards extractions & dental prosthetics like partials & dentures. After leaving private practice at the end of 2022, it became apparent that there was a place for a clinic to serve the needs of the community in reasonably priced dentures & extractions. Comfort Denture Lab & Clinic located in the historical Starline Factory building in Harvard, steps from the Metra station is that practice. The office is set up with a state-of-the-art denture laboratory, digital x-rays, & digital scanning technology. The practice only provides denture services & extractions. With a practice focused on dentures & extractions we are capable of passing on significant savings to patients. All of your clinical care is provided by a dentist with over 30 years of experience in the denture business. Lab technicians with the equivalent experience round out the team. Gone are the days of messy impressions replaced with digital intraoral scans. If extractions are required our surgical operatories are brand new & fully equipped for your comfort. Your intraoral scans are directly linked to our in-house denture lab where your new teeth & smile are designed on our 3D CAD software. There is nothing quite like it for denture design & setup. Once your design is approved, we manufacture your new dentures or partials on site. As a certified Dentsply Lucitone Lab we provide different levels of dentures to fit everyone’s budget, from economy Classic level dentures to our Deluxe Lucitone & Portrait teeth you are assured of choices to fit your needs & budget. We even manufacture acrylic partials, flippers & flexi-partials for patients with healthy remaining teeth. Traditional metal framework partials are available. We stand by our product with warranties that cover fractured dentures or teeth so you have peace of mind in the future. Our denture guarantee is our commitment to your satisfaction. Our lab also handles all routine denture repairs & relines generally completed the same day. With dentures starting at $999 & extractions from $89 you can expect value & affordability. To keep our pricing low, we do not employ a large administrative staff. Your walk out statements are all you need for insurance reimbursement. Credit card payment & financing plans are available. Medicaid & Medicare are not accepted. If you are ready for new smile, dentures, or extractions you can check us out risk free with our $1 new patient exam & x-ray special. Additional information can be found at comfortdenturelab.com. For appointments call (815) 236-8694
Medicare Annual Enrollment Started October 15th
BEFORE & AFTER
NEW BENEFITS FOR 2024! YVONNE
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Call me for a FREE Review & together we’ll insure you have the BEST plan for YOU!
Yvonne “Chevy” Peterson 815-414-9044 yvonne@medicare411co.com yvonnepeterson.medicare411co.com Contracted With: Ace • Aetna • AARP • Blue Cross/Blue Shield • Cigna • Humana • Mutual of Omaha • Quartz • Wellcare • WPS & More!
We don’t offer every plan in your area. Currently we represent 12 companies with over 100 plans in Illinois & Wisconsin. For all your plan options, contact Medicare at Medicare.gov or 1-800-Medicare or your State Insurance Program (SHIP).
6660 Newburg Rd., Rockford • treatyourselfas.com
tara@treatyourselfas.com