Boone County Senior News - November 2015

Page 9

November 5, 2015

HAVE YOU HEARD?

30% SENIOR DISCOUNT FRAMES & LENSES (Includes designer frames & progressive bifocals)

November

Dr. Eric Coy Dr. Sarah Gregg Dr. Norbert Kulpinski

Inside Schnucks (E. State) 815-397-2020

304 North State - Belvidere 815-544-3431

Call us if you need a ride!

(Immediate Belvidere area only)

Fresh Food

& Friendly Folks

Check Out Our DAILY SPECIALS Served With Cup Of Soup Or Tossed Salad, Choice Of Potato, Vegetable Of The Day, Rolls & Your Choice Of Ice Cream, Rice Or Tapioca Pudding, Or Jell-O.

BREAKFAST EVERY DAY....STARTING AT $2.99 1/2 Orders Available

NEW ITEMS ADDED DAILY! Senior Citizen Discounts Carryouts Anytime

123 Meadow St. • Belvidere • 815-547-4155

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

Tips For Grandparents Helping To Raise Children

As retirement age approaches, many older adults envision themselves downsizing and moving to a quaint community to enjoy their golden years in as relaxing a fashion as possible. However, for a growing number of seniors, their retirement years are being spent helping to raise grandchildren.

U.S. Census data from 2010 indicates 4.9 million American children are being raised solely by their grandparents.

Many grandparents provide part-time care when their older children have to move back home with their families.

Roughly 13 million children are now living in homes with their grandparents. Although being raised by grandparents may not be the ideal situation for everyone, such situations are a necessity for many families.

Seniors who are thrown into the caregiver arena may need a few pointers on parenting in the modern age.

• Get the right equipment. Children certainly require a lot of gear, more than grandparents likely used when raising their own children. Safety requirements are in place to safeguard young children, and that often means investing in new cribs, car seats, highchairs, and other items. Grandparents should resist the temptation to use old items they may have kept in storage, as such items may no longer be safe.

207 S. State St Belvidere, IL 61008-3616 taftinsurance@hotmail.com

• Gather important documents. Grandparents should keep pertinent documents in one easily accessible place in their homes should an emergency arise. These include birth certificates, health immunization records, death certificates (if the child’s parents are deceased), dental records, school papers, citizenship papers, etc.

Free Consultation • Wills • Trusts • Probate • Powers of Attorney • Nursing Home Planning • Family Law • Traffic & Criminal Attorneys At Law John H. Maville • Karla M. Maville Tricia L. Smith

815-544-3165 www.mavillelaw.com Suite 307, 600 S. State, Belvidere

Complete Service Of Cars & Light Trucks

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

• Speak with an attorney. Lawyers can help grandparents wade through legal arrangements, such as filing for custody, guardianship or adoption.

• Investigate financial assistance. Seniors may not earn the income they once did and may be on assistance or living off of retirement savings. Grandparents who are caring for a child may be eligible for financial assistance.

• Contact schools and daycare centers. Grandparents should contact the dept. of education where they live to learn about local schools, especially when grandkids are moving in with their grandparents. Some grandparents can qualify for free or low-cost daycare, and such programs can be discussed with local Social Services offices.

Enrollment in school or daycare can provide grandparents with much-needed free time during the day.

• Find emotional support. Taking care of grandchildren is a full-time job. At times, grandparents may feel stressed or out of sorts. Having a strong support system available can help grandparents work through the peaks and valleys of this new and unexpected stage in life.

Caring for grandchildren is a life-changing event. Although it can be fulfilling, it also requires a lot of energy and commitment. But grandparents needn’t go it alone, as there are numerous resources available to seniors who suddenly find themselves caring for their grandchildren.

Page 10

SHARE YOUR GOOD HEALTH

with Others.

BE A BLOOD DONOR.

November 5, 2015

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING Remembering Our Veterans The men and women who defend the liberties and freedoms of the countries they represent hold a special place in people’s hearts and an eternal spot in their countries’ histories.

(877) RRVBC-99 (877-778-2299) rrvbc.org

Any opportunity is a good time to commemorate the bravery and selfless deeds of military personnel, but Veterans Day is an especially important time to thank veterans for their service. November 11 is Veterans Day. This holiday honors all military veterans who have provided service to our country. The fact that it falls on November 11 is no coincidence, as the day commemorates the anniversary of the end of World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.

There are many ways to honor the military at home and abroad. The following are just a handful of ways to show appreciation for military men and women.

• When dining out, ask your server if you can pay the tab for a soldier or veteran you see in the restaurant.

• Attend a military parade with your family and explain the significance of the day to children in attendance.

• Draft letters and send care packages to soldiers currently in service far away from home.

• Visit a military memorial in the stateline area.

• Support a military family in your town who may be missing a loved one stationed elsewhere. Make meals, mow the lawn, help with grocery shopping, or simply provide emotional support.

• Get involved with a military support charity that can provide much-needed funds to struggling families or disabled veterans.

Quality & Value In Every Aisle • Premium Meats & Seafood • Seasonal Fruit • Fresh Vegetables • Prepared Foods • Deli & Baked Goods

F MARKET MARKET IESTA

400 Chrysler Dr., Belvidere 815-544-2220 www.fiestafrescamarket.com Open 7 Days A Week 7 AM - 9 PM

For Independent Seniors Now Age 55+

PEARL PLACE SENIOR APARTMENTS

(815)547-8479

• Drive disabled veterans to doctors’ appointments or to run any errands.

• Support a local VFW organization. In Boone County, contact VFW Post 1461 at 1310 W. Lincoln Ave., Belvidere or 815-544-2014.

• Visit the veterans’ portion of a nearby cemetery and place poppies or other flowers on the graves.

• Always keep the military on your mind and never forget those who have served and didn’t return home.

• For Information about assistance programs visit the Boone County Veterans Assistance Commision at 130 S. State St., Suite 212, Belvidere or call 815-544-6464.

Travel Benefits For Those Ages 50 And Up One of the best things about aging is being able to enjoy the fruits of your labor without as many obligations as you might have had when you were a younger adult. For example, many men and women have a lot more freedom to travel once they turn 50.

Many of today’s older adults have a wealth of discretionary time, and those who focused on retirement planning from an early age have the money to fund a recreational lifestyle. Travel companies and other businesses understand that Baby Boomers and other seniors are valuable customers and are rolling out the red carpet with a bevy of discounts and perks.

AARP Services, Inc. has long been a trusted resource in senior-based information and resources. They continue to broker relationships with various companies to arrange deals on travel-related services and products for older men and women. Members of AARP can link directly to deals through the organization’s website. In addition, many other travel companies have discounts or other perks available to men and women over 50. All consumers need to do is inquire about such benefits. When in doubt, log on to the company’s website or give their customer service department a call.

Don’t feel down if you’re approaching another milestone birthday. Entering into your golden years gives you access to a variety of perks and discounts that can save you time and money on travel.

520 Pearl St. • Belvidere

Belvidere Family

YMCA

• For Youth Development • For Healthy Living • For Social Responsibility

Our Family Is Here For Yours.

815-547-5307

• Programs Recommended By Arthritis Foundation • Silver Sneakers • Gymnasium & 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

220 West Locust, Belvidere, IL 61008 www.belviderefamilyymca.org

Patrick 218 W. Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere

Stephen

815-544-2616

Diann

Jeffrey

www.AndersonFCS.com

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. At Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 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

Page 11

November 5, 2015

DISPILL Medication Packaging System

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING Benefit From Nutritious Turkey Even After Thanksgiving

We Offer A Worry-Free SelfMedication System To Prevent Your Loved One From Missing Medications Or Taking Too Much.

Filled Directly By Our Pharmacist, So There Are No Mistakes.

Your Co-Pay Is The Same Anywhere You Go. So Why Not Support Your Local Pharmacy?

• Competitive Pricing • Personalized Patient • We Accept All Major Insurance Consultations • Durable Medical Equipment & Medicaid/Medicare • Diabetic Shoes • User Friendly Packaging

If turkey is not normally on your lunch or dinner menu, come the holiday season it’s bound to show up in abundance. As soon as the weather cools and the crispness of late autumn is in the air, thoughts turn to more hearty meals, and of course, the fall pièce de résistance: Thanksgiving dinner.

HOME HEALTH CARE DEPT.

Turkey takes center stage on many Thanksgiving dinner tables, even though history suggests it likely wasn’t served at the first Thanksgiving.

Despite this historical discrepancy, turkey and all the trimmings continue to be traditional fare for big holiday dinners.

Much more than just delicious and filling, turkey boasts many nutritional benefits, making it a worthwhile addition to your diet regardless of the season.

• Protein: Turkey is often overshadowed by other meats in refrigerated display cases, but it remains an excellent source of protein in a low-fat package. A typical 3.4 to 4 ounce serving of skinless turkey breast (about the size of a deck of cards) contains around 30 grams of protein, providing about 65 percent of the average person’s recommended daily allotment of protein. Protein helps the body feel full and serves many essential functions in the body. Proteins regulate the entry of nutrients through cell walls, help the body grow and help it to generate antibodies that fight against illness.

Support Stockings Braces/Splints Lift Chairs Bath Benches Wheelchairs Walkers Crutches & Canes Commodes Hospital Beds

WH O NEEDS A DRI V E-TH RU WH EN WE

DELIVER! Delivery Available 6 Days A Week Monday - Saturday

• Low-fat: A serving of turkey is only 161 calories and contains just four grams of fat, which is low in saturated fat.

O’Brien’s Pharmacy

• B-vitamin benefits: Turkey is an excellent source of B vitamins, including B3, B6 and B12. Having enough B3, also known as niacin, is important for overall health, and higher levels of niacin can improve cholesterol levels and lower a person’s risk for cardiovascular disease. B6 is also called pyridoxine. It’s involved in the process of making certain neurotransmitters, including serotonin and norepinephrine, which transmit signals in the brain.

Important for neurological health, B12 helps decrease levels of homocysteine, which can contribute to cognitive decline.

216 S. State St., Belvidere • 815-544-3433

• Immune system effects: People may not know turkey contains selenium, which is key to healthy thyroid function. It also helps boost the immune system by playing a role in the body’s antioxidant defense system.

Selenium may help eliminate free radicals in the body that would otherwise contribute to cancer risk.

Pharmacy Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am - 7 pm; Saturday 9 am - 4 pm; Sunday 9 am - 1 pm

It doesn’t matter if you saved money in 15 minutes.

It doesn’t matter if your neighbor has the same insurance you do.

• Relaxation: Many people are aware of turkey’s ability to induce feelings of relaxation, particularly when eaten in abundance at the Thanksgiving dinner table. Turkey contains the amino acid tryptophan, which plays a role in triggering production of serotonin. Serotonin can induce feelings of relaxation and sleepiness.

What matters right now is that you get to enjoy this moment - feeling completely at ease - because your independent insurance agent and the company that stands behind them has you covered.

Turkey is lean, full of essential nutrients and low in saturated fat, making it a worthy addition to your diet no matter what time of year it happens to be.

Flanders Insurance Agency 1947 N. Lyford, Rockford flanders@flandersinsurance.com

815-226-1444

Have A Happy Thanksgiving!

This Month’s Healthy Recipe

Turkey Pesto Pasta This recipe is courtesy of University Of Illinois Extension

Ingredients 1-1/2 lbs. turkey breast, skinless, boneless 1 14 -ounce box bowtie pasta 3/4 cup pesto 2 cups chopped green or red pepper 1 small can sliced ripe olives (2.25 oz.)

Instructions 1. Cut turkey into cubes. Stir fry 5 minutes, adding water if needed to prevent sticking.

2. Cook pasta as directed on package. Drain.

3. Combine turkey, pasta, pesto, and peppers.

Total time: 25 minutes Prep time: 10 minutes

Nutrition Facts Servings Per Recipe: 11 Servings, 1 Cup Each Amount Per Serving: Calories 316 Calories From Fat 90 Total Fat 10 g Cholesterol 54 mg Sodium 204 mg Carbohydrate 30 g Dietary Fiber 1.5 g Protein 25 g Exchange 2 Starch, 2 Lean Meat Carbohydrate Units 2

Trust is more than just a word.

It's who we are.

At Alpine Trust & Investment Group, we are a team of experienced professionals who provide the highest level of personalized investment management and trust services to individuals, businesses and organizations.

We are the trust and investment group of choice because: We have a team of professionals who are the most accomplished experts in their fields We provide an unmatched level of personal service We help people, businesses and our communities We are local Investment and insurance products are: not products of Alpine Bank; not FDIC insured; not guaranteed; and, may be subject to investment risk, including possible loss of principal.

Enjoy The Life You Deserve!

Assisted Lifestyle Communities For Seniors Of All Incomes

815-544-9495 4730 Squaw Prairie Rd., Belvidere

Belvidere Office 600 S. State Street, Belvidere, IL 61008 Phone: (815) 547-5200 Fax: (815) 544-7221 East State Street Office 6838 E. State Street, Rockford, IL 61108 Phone: (815) 231-2710 Fax: (815) 231-2825 www.bankalpine.com/investments

Page 12

November 5, 2015

Belvidere Funeral Home Inc.

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING

203 Logan Ave., Belvidere

Family Owned & Operated Since 1906 Colin A. Jensen - Funeral Director

We Offer:

Make Your Health Insurance Work For You

• Tradition Services

Article Contributed by Brereton, Inc., Belvidere

Get to Know How Your Health Plan Works: Take full advantage of your health insurance benefits with these helpful tips: • Stay in network. Most health plans, like HMOs and PPOs, use certain groups of doctors, hospitals and other health care professionals called provider networks. If you visit a doctor outside of your network, you may have to pay more for your care. In some cases, you may have to pay the full cost.

For HMOs, if you are referred to a specialist make sure he or she is in your network.

• Know what’s covered. Make sure services or treatments are covered before you schedule them.

If you have a PPO, you may need pre-authorization (pre-notification) before you get certain tests or services. You or your doctor must call your insurance company to confirm.

• Understand health insurance costs. Health insurance costs can be confusing. Knowing what premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, copayments and out-of-pocket maximums are and how they all work together.

• Conduct an “annual checkup” of your health plan. Make sure your plan still meets your needs.

This is especially true if you’ve had a major life event like a birth, death, marriage or divorce.

• Cremation Services • Pre-Planning Services

Why Pre-Plan? √ Peace Of Mind √ Personal Choice √ Lower Costs

Get to know Belvidere and Boone County’s health insurance broker: BRERETON INC. is able to be your personal assistant for the Individual Healthcare Marketplace and provide help in navigating the health care law requiring the purchase of health insurance. As a registered agent for the Federally-facilitated Marketplace, Breretons play a key role in educating consumers about Marketplaces and insurance affordability programs, and in helping consumers receive eligibility determinations, apply for tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, compare plans, and enroll in coverage.

Gift ideas for the special seniors in your life

815-544-2121 www.belviderefh.com

brereton inc.

Health Insurance Serving Belvidere/Boone County Since 1950 Major Medical - Medicare Supplements & Long Term Care Independent Agency Offering The Products Of:

Where you go matters: • It’s important to know where to go when you need medical care. Sometimes it’s clear and at other times, it’s not so clear. While the answer is not always simple, knowing the difference and deciding where to go can mean the difference in costs and time. The main thing is to be prepared before you go and make sure ahead of time you will be covered by your plan’s network.

Health Insurance Marketplace:(Open Enrollment Period: 11/1/2015 – 01/31/2016) • Most Americans must have health insurance in 2015. You will be eligible regardless of age, gender, or health. Based on your income, you may get help paying for your plan, with eligibility guaranteed even if you have preexisting conditions.

To Schedule A Free Consultation, Please Call

Fred Brereton

Breretons.com

527 S. State St., Belvidere, IL 61008 • 815-544-3180 “Your Future Is Our Concern Today”

Barr’s Flowers 119 S. State St. 815-544-3141 Belvidere’s Only Complete Florist Seasonal Giftware, Purses & Scarves, Greeting Cards, Truffles & More!

Family Owned & Operated

With lifetimes of experiences and seemingly everything they could ever want or need in life already at their disposal, seniors can be difficult to shop for come the holiday season. Many even insist that their family members save their money and not buy them anything for the holidays. But if the thought of Grandma or Grandma not having something to open come the holidays is simply unacceptable, consider the following gift ideas.

Same Day Delivery Available Monday-S aturday! www.barrsflowers.com

Activity assistance devices - The realities of getting older often mean the body slows down and activities may not be as easy as they used to be. Many active seniors are not ready to live sedentary lives, nor should they be forced to do so. Plenty of products exist that can make life easier and more comfortable for older adults.

Television amplifying headphones can be a great fit for seniors, particularly those having difficulty hearing their TV. Other devices that can make life easier for seniors include magnifying products or bookholders. In addition, gel seat cushions can take pressure off of the spine in the car or at home.

Proud member of the teleflora network ©

• Cremation Burials • Frank Lloyd Wright Pettit Chapel • Pre-Burial Arrangements

Food - Food is always a handy gift because it doesn’t take up much room and can be enjoyed at a recipient’s leisure. Perhaps there is something the senior in your life used to enjoy as a child but now finds hard to come by.

A search of the Internet may uncover that special treat.

Photos - What grandparent doesn’t enjoy looking at his or her family members? Computer-savvy men and women can use photo software to design personalized photo books, calendars, mugs, and other photo-related gifts. Another idea is to collect old photos and compile a memory book. Scan the images so they are preserved digitally and then print out the images in a book that includes the family history.

Time - Seniors who truly do not want or need anything probably will likely jump at the opportunity to spend time with loved ones. Treat a friend or family member to a meal out or simply spend a few hours chatting at his or her home. Sometimes the company of a new face and good conversation is the ideal gift.

Ric Brereton

Cemetery Lots $800 - $850 Grave Openings $900 (Weekends Slightly More)

BCelvidere emetery Association

1121 N. Main Belvidere 815-547-7642

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 www.maplecrestcare.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 and respect. Our goal is to provide the necessary approach to facilitate a complete return to health and successful return to home.

Serving Boone County Over 40 Years!

Nor thwoods Northwoods

2250 Pearl Street, Belvidere, IL 61008 tel: 815.544.0358 • fax: 815.544.5006 www.northwoodscare.com