October 21, 2021
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October
An Affordable Assisted Lifestyle Community for the Older Adult. Call for Information!
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
Tips To Carve The Perfect Jack-O-Lantern Jack-o’-lanterns are one of many indelible symbols of Halloween. It’s hard to pinpoint the precise origins of jacko’-lanterns, but many historians trace the tradition to 19th century Ireland. In fact, this instantly recognizable staple of Halloween decor actually gets its name from an Irish folk tale character named “Stingy Jack.” Jack-o’-lanterns are ubiquitous in October, but a refresher course on carving one can help those who haven’t dusted off their carving skills since last fall. • Don’t carve too early. Though it can be tempting & fun to carve a jack-o’-lantern once the calendar turns to October, it’s unlikely the finished product will make it all the way to October 31. Horticulturists indicate that jacko’-lanterns have a shelf life of roughly five to 10 days, though an especially cold October could shorten that life expectancy even further. If you want your jack-o’-lantern to greet trick-or-treaters on Halloween, wait to carve it until a few days before the big day. • Use a dry-erase marker to outline the design. It’s easy to make mistakes when carving a jack-o’-lantern, especially if this is your first time using a carving knife since last year. Use a dry-erase marker to trace the design onto the pumpkin before you make a cut. • Avoid severing the stem. When many people envision jack-o’-lanterns, the image in their minds is one in which the top of the pumpkin is removed so candles or lights can be effortlessly placed inside. However, removing the top cuts off the vine, which supplies the pumpkin with nutrients & moisture, even after it’s been cut. A whole in the back of the pumpkin can provide easy access when placing candles or lights inside, & cutting here won’t cut off the nutrient & moisture supply a pumpkin needs to avoid drying out. • Scoop everything out. The interior of a pumpkin will be loaded with seeds, which can be removed & later roasted to make a savory snack. In addition to removing the seeds, be sure to get all of the pulp out. Pulp left in the pumpkin will soon get moldy & that can shorten the life span of the jack-o’-lantern. In addition, when removing the interior, try scraping the front inner wall of the pumpkin thin, which may make it easier to carve. • Avoid candles when lighting the interior of the jack-o’-lantern. Candles might seem like the most authentic & even spooky way to light the interior of the pumpkin, but the heat produced by a burning candle can shorten the life expectancy of the jack-o’-lantern. An LED light won’t give off much heat & will provide ample illumination. A few simple tips can help Halloween celebrants ensure their jack-o’-lanterns make it all the way to the big day at the end of October.
Trunk Or Treat & Pumpkin Contest
• 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
Need A Little Help Out Of Your Chair?
WE HAVE LIFT CHAIRS! 315 S. State St. Belvidere 815-547-6672 HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 9-5; Fri. 9-7; Sat. 9-4; Closed Sun. FURNITURE
ST
Ida Public Library’s Halloween program is back! Friday, October 29th, 4-7 PM. Register to host a trunk in the parking lot for children to trick or treat, or bring your costumed grand kids out for a fun, sugar-filled night! Don’t forget to drop off your decorated pumpkins that morning so you can vote for your favorites on the way out. Check the library Facebook TRUNK -orpage for more information. Ida Public Library, 320 N. State Street, Belvidere. To see a full TREAT list of fall programs offered, visit idapubliclibrary.org.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
ONSITE: • Beauty Parlor • Country Store • Physician Visits • Mail Service • Nursing Staff
Belvidere,
IL
REET PUB
111 BUCHANAN ST. | BELVIDERE, IL 61008 815-547-1012 SUNDAY - TUESDAY | 11AM – 2 AM WEDNESDAY - SATURDAY | 8AM – 2 AM
Open Enrollment for Medicare is Now - December 7th You must look at your plan to see if it is still the best plan for your medications.
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.
SENIOR LIVING Comfort
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October 21, 2021
BOONE COUNTY
First in
A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
Are There Different Types Of Breast Cancer? Millions of women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, more than 2.3 million women across the globe were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. Breast cancer statistics can give the impression that each of the millions of women diagnosed with the disease is fighting the same battle, but breast cancer is something of an umbrella term. In fact, there are various types of breast cancer, including ductal carcinoma in situ, invasive ductal carcinoma, inflammatory breast cancer, & metastatic breast cancer. Learning about each type of breast cancer can help women & their families gain a greater understanding of this disease. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) DCIS is a non-invasive cancer that is diagnosed when abnormal cells have been found in the lining of the breast milk duct. The National Breast Cancer Foundation notes that DCIS is a highly treatable cancer. That’s because it hasn’t spread beyond the milk duct into any surrounding breast tissue. The American Cancer Society notes that roughly 20% of new breast cancer cases are instances of DCIS. Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) IDC is the most common type of breast cancer. The NBCF reports that between 70% & 80% of all breast cancer diagnoses are instances of IDC. An IDC diagnosis means that cancer began growing in the milk ducts but has since spread into other parts of the breast tissue. This is why IDC is characterized as “invasive.” Though IDC can affect people, including men, of any age, the ACS notes that the majority of IDC cases are in women age 55 & older. Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) The NBCF describes IBC as an “aggressive & fast growing breast cancer.” Breastcancer.org notes that IBC is rare, as data from the ACS indicates that only about 1% of all breast cancers in the U.S. are inflammatory breast cancers. Many breast cancers begin with the formation of a lump, but Breastcancer.org reports that IBC usually begins with reddening & swelling of the breast, & symptoms can worsen considerably within days or even hours. That underscores the importance of seeking prompt treatment should any symptoms present themselves. Metastatic breast cancer Metastatic breast cancer may be referred to as stage IV breast cancer. When a woman is diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, that means the cancer has spread, or metastasized, into other parts of the body. The NBCF indicates that metastatic breast cancer usually spreads to the lungs, liver, bones, or brain. Symptoms vary depending on where the cancer has spread. For example, if the cancer has spread to the lungs, women may experience a chronic cough or be unable to get a full breath. These are not the only types of breast cancer. A more extensive breakdown of the various types of breast cancer can be found at https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/types.
Support Groups & Resources For Breast Cancer Patients A strong support network can help breast cancer patients navigate their treatments & all of the uncertainty that can arise after a cancer diagnosis. Many women undergoing treatment for breast cancer lean on friends & family for everything from emotional support to help with household tasks & much more. Though family & friends are often invaluable to women during their battles with breast cancer, sometimes a little support from women going through the same ups & downs can be just what patients need to stay the course & overcome their disease. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women across the globe. But it’s important that women recognize that five-year survival rates have improved dramatically in recent decades. The five-year survival rate for localized breast cancers is 99%, while the rate for breast cancers that spread outside the breast to nearby structures or lymph nodes is 86%. Rising survival rates for breast cancer mean that millions of women across the globe have already survived the disease, & many such women play vital roles in support groups. CancerCare® is a national organization in the U.S. that is dedicated to providing free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer. All CancerCare® services are provided by oncology social workers & renowned cancer experts. The following are just a few of the support groups cancer patients can access through www.cancercare.org. • Breast Cancer Patient Support Group: This free, 15-week online support group is for people diagnosed with breast cancer who are currently receiving treatment. Access the group at https://www.cancercare.org/ support_groups/43-breast_cancer_patient_support_group. • Metastatic Breast Cancer Patient Support Group: This free, 15-week support group is for people diagnosed with stage IV metastatic breast cancer who are currently receiving treatment. Access the group at https:// www.cancercare.org/support_groups/44-metastatic_breast_cancer_patient_support_group. • Breast Cancer Post-Treatment Survivorship Support Group: Patients who have completed their breast cancer treatment within the past 18 months are eligible for this free, 15-week support group. Access the group at https://www.cancercare.org/support_groups/180-breast_cancer_post-treatment_survivorship_support_group. Support groups can be invaluable resources for women as they navigate breast cancer treatment.
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
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
Belvidere Family
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
• 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
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
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October 21, 2021
Complete Service Of Cars & Light Trucks
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
Healthy Substitutions For Baking & Cooking
We Carry
See Our “Pros” For
• Brakes & Suspension • Wheel Alignment • Shocks & Struts • Air Conditioning
• New Tires • Roadside Tire Service • Small Engine Sales & Service
R. J. Daniels Fuel & Tire Fairgrounds Rd., Belvidere, IL 815-544-2118 8094Open Daily 7-5; Sat. 7-Noon
MEDICARE
Open Enrollment NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 7TH
We Are Here To Help You Through The Process. CALL 815-544-9893 TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT Boone County Council On Aging 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere
815-544-9893 www.keenage.org
give
An ability to adapt is one of the most important skills to have in the kitchen. Tweaking recipes allows individuals to put their own spin on foods & customize meals so they fit with their particular lifestyles. A person may have to change an ingredient to avoid a food allergy, or may swap something out to make a dish more nutritious. Substitutions can change the texture or even taste of the recipe, as no substitution can mimic the original ingredient exactly. However, you will often find the results are acceptable, & may even prefer them. Original ingredient: White flour Substitution: Whole wheat flour, nut flour White flour lacks many nutrients because the grain has been largely stripped of its most important parts before being ground. Whole wheat flour has extra fiber that aids in digestion & can lower risk for certain diseases. Those with a gluten intolerance can use nut flours, like almond flour. Whole wheat flour & nut flours are denser than white flour, so you may need to experiment with 3/4 cup to 1 cup of white flour ratios in recipes. Original ingredient: Sugar Substitution: Applesauce Sugar is the foundation of many baked goods, but too much sugar provides empty calories & can contribute to various illnesses if eaten in large quantities. Swapping one cup of unsweetened applesauce for one cup of sugar can provide sweetness with more health benefits, such as added fiber & vitamins. Original ingredient: Oil or butter Substitution: Fruit or vegetable puree Try adding pureed carrot, banana, pumpkin, or apples to recipes to boost moisture. These ingredients also add extra flavor & nutrients. The ratio is generally one-to-one for the replacement. Original ingredient: Water Substitution: Stock Make a batch of vitamin- & nutrient-rich vegetable stock to use with foods that are boiled, such as pastas & rices. The stock will add flavor & nutrition. Original ingredient: Egg Substitution: Vinegar, baking powder & liquid (baking) or egg substitute (cooking) When baking, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder plus 1 tablespoon vinegar plus 1 tablespoon of a liquid can replace an egg in the recipe if you’re avoiding eggs. Original ingredient: Sour cream Substitution: Plain Greek yogurt Greek yogurt, with its natural helpful probiotic bacteria, can be a healthy substitution for sour cream in dips, dressings & other recipes Food substitutions can help people customize recipes to fit their dietary needs. People can experiment with various ingredients to develop delicious meals.
This Month’s Healthy Recipe
AS IF A LIFE DEPENDS ON IT
Bean Dip
...because it does. MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT 815-965-8751 or rrvbc.org Directions We are proud to serve Boone County and surrounding communities as the only provider of blood and blood products.
Recipe Provided By The U of I Extension Office
Ingredients 2 cups canned beans or cooked dried beans (suggested: Black beans or pinto) 2 Tablespoons nonfat milk 1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon onion, finely diced or pinch of onion powder Hot Sauce (optional), to taste
Nutrition Facts Per Serving (8 Servings) Calories 50 Total Fat 0 g Sodium 85 mg Carbohydrates 9 g Dietary Fiber 2 g Protein 3 g
1. Wash hands with soap & water. Mash beans with a fork in medium bowl. 2. Add milk, chili powder, garlic powder & onion to beans & mix. Add hot sauce if desired. 3. Serve with vegetable sticks, crackers or tortilla chips.
What Lies Ahead For The Peterson Meadows Campus? With continuing growth at Peterson Meadows Independent Senior Living community-a member of the Wesley Willows family over the past 6 years, 2022 looks to be another opportunity for the campus to grow. In 2020, Peterson Meadows purchased an adjacent 4+ acre lot with an eye on future development. The development will consist of sixteen new duplex homes, eight of which have been reserved. Building a new home at Peterson Meadows gives residents the opportunity to fully customize their new forever home. Peterson Meadows is in the process of completing civil engineering drawings in preparation of meeting with City of Rockford for approval of the development. The City of Rockford has been a partner with development of both the Peterson Meadows campus as well as the Wesley Willows campus for more than 20 years. We look forward to a Spring start for this project with move-ins occurring in 2023! Peterson Meadows, an Independent Senior Living Community, offers residents the opportunity to participate in a variety of Life Enrichment activities which studies would attribute to an increase in overall happiness. Fitness classes & a fitness center, upscale dining, Chapel & Bible study, educational presentations, special events & trips, & more are all part of the wide range of activities to keep residents active & social. At Peterson Meadows, making friends & creating relationships are intangible benefits. If you are interested in learning more about Extraordinary Independent Senior Living at Peterson Meadows, please call 815-316-6901.
• 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
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October 21, 2021
It Is Your Journey. We Adapt To You!
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
Medicare Open Enrollment Period Letter From: Kelly Hillan, Exec. Director of The Keen Age Center
Time to Live Well
(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
Dear Friends, One of the programs we have at Boone County Council on Aging is Information & Assistance. This time of year, our Information & Assistance staff’s focus turns to Medicare. Did you know that the Open Enrollment Period for Medicare runs October 15 through December 7 every fall? During this time, you can make changes to your health insurance coverage, including adding, dropping, or changing how you receive your Medicare benefits. You may not realize that even if you are happy with your current health & drug coverage, Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period is the time to review your current coverage, compare it with other available options, & weigh whether it will remain the best choice for you in the coming year. You can make changes as many times as you want to during this Open Enrollment Period, but keep in mind that the last change you make will determine your coverage for the coming year, which will take effect on January 1st. To enroll in a new plan, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE, use the Plan Finder tool on www.medicare.gov, call the plan directly, or get objective, one-on-one assistance from a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselor. The national SHIP mission is to empower, educate, & assist Medicare-eligible individuals, their families, & caregivers through objective outreach, counseling, & training, to make informed health insurance decisions that optimize access to care & benefits. The Boone County Council on Aging has three staff that are SHIP counselors available to provide you with information you need to make educated decisions about your insurance. In preparation for comparing your options, compile a list of health care professionals you see, drugs you take, & pharmacies where you get your drugs. For some, the SHIP program’s in-person help was essential for understanding the complexities of Medicare & making good choices. For others, SHIP education helped them save on their health care costs. In 2020, the people we worked with through the SHIP program that changed their plans saved on average $1,420. For information on Medicare Open Enrollment or to see if you are eligible for other programs that may be able to help you save money, contact us at (815) 544-9893. Hope you enjoy a cozy Autumn!
Kelly Hillan
The Basics Of Estate Sales Between online retailers, secondary sites like Facebook Marketplace &, of course, traditional brick-and-mortar stores, consumers have no shortage of options when looking for furnishings for their homes. One often overlooked option can be a great place to find classic furnishings at bargain prices. Estate sales are a great way to offer the contents of a home for sale all at once. Many estate sales are conducted by families when a loved one passes away, though some may be organized when individuals are leaving their home & want to sell most, if not all, of their belongings. Buyers can find just about everything people typically have in their homes for sale during an estate sale. That includes big ticket items like dining sets to small items like coffee mugs & cooking utensils. How are estate sales conducted? In person estate sales are typically conducted at private residences & items will be marked with price tags. Buyers at estate sales typically walk through the home at their leisure. Sellers may be willing to negotiate sale prices, though buyers should not count on that. The sheer volume of items available for purchase at estate sales means sellers typically don’t have the time or energy to haggle over prices for individual items, so buyers who love to negotiate may not get the opportunity to do so at estate sales. Are estate sales & estate auctions the same? They differ in various ways. Estate auctions may be conducted in person, or via a third party website. In person estate auctions may be managed by an auctioneer, & items will ultimately go to the highest bidder. Web-based estate auctions ask prospective buyers to create an account & participants may be asked to enter their credit card info prior to bidding. Users then submit bids & the auction will continue for a predetermined period of time. Responsibility of inspecting & picking up items rests with the buyers. First-come, first-serve is how many estate sales are conducted. In such instances, the first person to meet the seller’s asking prices gets the item. Buyers who want high-quality items should try to arrive at the estate sale when it begins, if not earlier. How long do estate sales last? Many estate sales are conducted over a full weekend. Early birds might find the most high-quality items, but those simply looking for bargains may find great deals in the final hours of the estate sale when sellers are simply looking to unload items. People looking to furnish their homes can find great deals at estate sales.
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!