Boone County Senior News December 2016

Page 7

December 8, 2016

Belvidere Funeral Home Inc.

December

203 Logan Ave., Belvidere

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

We Offer: • Tradition Services • Cremation Services • Pre-Planning Services

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

To Schedule A Free Consultation, Please Call

815-544-2121 www.belviderefh.com

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

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

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

BCelvidere emetery Association

1121 N. Main Belvidere 815-547-7642

SHADLEY APARTMENTS 1151 NETTIE STREET, BELVIDERE

The History Of Holiday Lights Holiday celebrants employ holiday lights in various ways. Certain individuals may be content to hang lights on their Christmas trees & call their decorating complete. Others may get their holiday jollies by making sure each square inch of their home is covered in twinkling lights.

The tradition of Christmas lights stretches back to early modern Germany when people used candles to decorate Christmas trees in Christian homes. Those candles were harbingers of what would come when electric lights replaced gas & other open flame illuminating devices that were commonplace prior to the 20th century.

• 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 • 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

Thomas Edison, the inventor of the first successful practical light bulb, also created the first strand of electric lights that would be used in holiday decorating. By 1880, Edison had standard incandescent light bulbs well sorted out & desired a way to better advertise his invention, so he decided to make the most of the holiday season & put his light bulbs on display. According to a 2003 article in American Heritage magazine titled “The Wizard of Your Christmas Tree,” Edison strung incandescent bulbs all around the compound of his Menlo Park, NJ, laboratory. Edison constructed an eight-mile underground wiring system in order to power this grand light display. Because the laboratory was situated along the railroad that passed between Manhattan & Philadelphia, thousands of people were able to see the display.

The concept of electric holiday lights took a bit of time to catch on. Edison’s friend & associate Edward Johnson was tasked with stringing together colored lights in 1882 & placing them on an evergreen tree. Johnson handwired 80 red, white & blue light bulbs. In 1895, President Grover Cleveland requested the White House family Christmas tree be illuminated by multi-colored electric light bulbs.

In 1903, when General Electric began to offer pre-assembled kits of holiday lights, stringed lights were reserved for the wealthy & electrically savvy. For example, in 1903 a single string of electric lights cost $12, or around $300 today.

It would take several more years before holiday lights became a national tradition. On Christmas Eve 1923, President Calvin Coolidge began the country’s celebration of Christmas by lighting the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse located south of the White House with 3,000 electric lights.

Today, illuminated strands of lights have become a large part of holiday celebrations & have even been adopted for use during various year-round events. Such lights can be a beautiful & festive addition to many celebrations.

This holiday season drive through Belvidere Park & enjoy the annual holiday lights display. The display is open for viewing through January 1st.

Happy Holidays To You & Your Family!

www.belviderefamilyymca.org

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

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

Two, convenient Boone County locations

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.

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

Belvidere Poplar Grove Physical Therapy Physical Therapy 815-226-1444

1686 Henry Luckow Lane 1 -uOLe 'rLYe 815-547-4777 815-765-1155 2rWKoSeGLc 6SorWV ,nGuVWrLaO 5eKaELOLWaWLon &oPSOLPenWary LnMury VcreenV , oVWLSW coP

Page 8

December 8, 2016

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

Medication Mismanagement Can Be Prevented Medication management is an important issue for seniors & their families. Failure to properly manage medications can threaten the lives of seniors, highlighting the emphasis families must place on ensuring seniors take their medications in strict adherence to their physicians’ instructions.

The taking of multiple medications for different conditions, can be a potential health hazard for the thousands of seniors who must manage health conditions with prescription drugs. Harmful drug interactions are a result of the confusion that can arise when seniors take multiple medications at the same time. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists estimates that more than 34 percent of senior citizens are prescribed medications by more than one physician, & 72% use medications they were prescribed more than six months prior. Many people also have begun “pharmacy shopping” to save money. According to a study published in 2010 in American Nurse Today, 44% of men & 57% of women older than 65 take five or more medications per week.

Medication confusion is one risk, but older adults also metabolize medications differently than young people. As a result, they may be more susceptible to overdose or other ill effects. Families looking to help seniors effectively manage their medications should consider the following tips.

• Keep a running list of medications. Maintain a list of all medications being taken, noting both prescription & over-the-counter medications & any supplements & herbs. Provide a copy to any new doctors you visit & any new pharmacies you patronize.

• Use pill sorters. Medication sorters can keep medications organized &eliminate some of the personal error in medication management. Organizers have daily slots & may also differentiate between nighttime & daytime.

• Understand why each medication is being prescribed. Ask your pharmacist & doctor to explain why each medication is prescribed. This information should be printed on the prescription label. Some drugs designed for one symptom may actually be used to treat other issues as well.

• Ask for help. Some seniors may benefit from friendly reminders from a loved one regarding when to take certain medications, especially if they need to take multiple doses throughout the day. Cognitively impaired seniors may require the services of a visiting nurse or another caregiver.

• Recognize that not all medications are right for seniors. The American Geriatrics Society maintains a list of medications that older adults should avoid or take with extreme caution. Some drugs pose a high risk of side effects or interactions, while others are less effective. Discuss alternatives with your physician if you are prescribed one of these medications.

• Keep a medication diary. Record any side effects that occur and how the medications make you feel. Always bring up issues promptly with a doctor.

Medicare Part D

FREE Review We Have The Software To Help You Choose The Best Insurance Plan For Your Medication.

Call To Schedule A Consultation.

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 & Medicaid/Medicare • Durable Medical Equipment • User Friendly Packaging • Diabetic Shoes HOME HEALTH CARE DEPT. 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

O’Brien’s Pharmacy 216 S. State St., Belvidere • 815-544-3433 Pharmacy Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am - 7 pm; Saturday 9 am - 4 pm; Sunday 9 am - 1 pm

24 HOUR NURSING CARE SHORT & LONG TERM CARE

Proper medication management can help seniors avoid drug-related accidents or worse. Be sure to dispose of expired & unused medications safely. Boone County offers a MedReturn Drug Collection Unit that is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week., located in the lobby of the Public Safety Building, 615 N. Main, Belvidere.

The Basics Of Poinsettia Plant Care Although poinsettias are most often associated with the holiday season, they are actually tropical plants. In spite of their origins, poinsettias can thrive during the holiday season & even last long after the holidays end.

Poinsettias are native to Mexico & Central America. Aztecs called the plant cuetlaxochitl.

The flowering plant was first introduced to the U.S. by Joel Poinsett, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico, & was subsequently renamed the poinsettia. The flowers of the poinsettia are actually the yellow blooms at the middle of the bright red or white bracts that form on the plant. Perhaps due to the bright red, the plant quickly became a popular Christmas plant.

Poinsettias grow in a warm climate & must be kept in tropical conditions to ensure their health. Poinsettias bloom in response to shortening daylight hours. They will need ample darkness each night in order to simulate the dark nights of short, winter days. You may need to put the plant into a dark closet for 12-14 hours each night.

During the day, the plant should be in a sunny window with bright light. Keep the soil evenly moist. Misting the plant will help it to retain some humidity. Also, fill the overflow saucer on your flower pot with gravel to allow water seeping through the pot to evaporate. Hot temperatures indoors combined with high humidity will help the plant to thrive. Even one day without adequate moisture or decreasing temperatures can cause the leaves to drop.

While many poinsettia plants are discarded after the holiday season, these plants can actually be cut back & saved for next season. Trimming back any remaining leaves & continuing to care for the plant by keeping it moist can help. To force the blooms next season, start reducing the plant’s exposure to sunlight in mid-September to October. Again, this will mean removing the plant to an area that is shrouded in complete darkness. Even streetlights or indoor lighting can affect blooming. If the plant does not begin to turn color before the holiday season, you may need to purchase a new plant & try again next year.

1701 West 5th Avenue, Belvidere, IL 61008 www.parkplaceofbelvidere.com P 815.547.5451 F 815.544.4059

Enjoy The Life You Deserve!

Assisted Lifestyle Communities For Seniors Of All Incomes

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

Our customer experience is second to none.

Fancy financial products and services mean nothing if they don’t focus on your needs. We are a team of trusted financial advisors focused on helping individuals, families and business owners address their unique wealth management goals and wealth transfer wishes.

Our commitment to you is defined by three core attributes: accessibility, comprehensiveness of our services and our experience.

To discuss your individual options, contact Alpine Trust & Investment Group, today.

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.

Phone: (815) 231-2710 Fax: (815) 231-2825 www.bankalpine.com/investments

Page 13

December 8, 2016

HAVE YOU HEARD?

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

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

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

Setting Goals For The New Year

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

304 North State - Belvidere 815-544-3431 FamilyOpticalCentre.com

Call us if you need a ride!

(Immediate Belvidere area only)

Complete Service Of Cars & Light Trucks

We Carry

See Our “Pros” For

BOONE COUNTY

• 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

Though it’s common to ring in the New Year by making resolutions for the year, it’s far less popular to set goals for the next 12 months. Resolutions & goals might be similar, but they’re not exactly the same.

When setting goals, men & women are attempting to develop a plan for the year ahead with the intent of being in a better place in 365 days. Successful resolutions are typically far less encompassing. While resolutions are goal-oriented, men & women often make just one resolution that does not require a plan so much as some dedication. For instance, a goal of being more financially secure will require a plan that must be implemented for it to be a success. A resolution to quit smoking might involve some advice from health professionals, but in general it’s up to the individual to simply stop smoking.

When setting goals for the next 12 months, consider the following tips. * Brainstorm some ideas. Goals should pertain to all aspects of life, from career goals to personal goals to anything you want to accomplish around the house. Before setting any goals, brainstorm as many ideas as possible for each area of your life. Write these ideas down, no matter how big or small they might be - even though you might not decide to pursue each & every goal you come up with. The purpose of this is just to get some ideas flowing & to use those ideas as a foundation. If two or more ideas are similar, such as losing weight & eating healthier, then you can combine those later on & make them one goal to simply be healthier. * Rank goals by their importance to you. Goals will have varying degrees of importance, & this can help you to rank them by which ones you feel are most important. This doesn’t mean you can’t accomplish each goal on your list. But prioritizing goals can make it easier to accomplish them. A good approach to take is to accomplish a high-priority goal, then reward yourself by tackling a more lighthearted goal that’s less of a priority. Such a balance & reward system can provide motivation & make for a fun and productive year to boot. * Establish a time frame. When setting goals with no time frame in mind, it’s easy to procrastinate & downplay the significance of the goals. When setting goals, establish a time frame to increase your chances of being successful. For instance, if you have a goal to save X amount of money over the next 12 months, give yourself monthly savings markers to meet. This can help keep you on schedule & ensure you will achieve your goal. * Give yourself progress reports. As the year goes on, periodically assess your progress. You might realize some goals have become bigger priorities while others are no longer as important, & that’s perfectly all right. But once you have passed the planning stage & started to pursue a goal, track your progress & stay the course if it’s going well. If not, reconsider your plan & decide if it’s best to lay out another course of action.

Volunteer Your Time Volunteering offers many benefits in appreciation for your gift of time & expertise. Volunteering can help you: Make important contacts, learn or develop new skills, gain work experience, improve your health, feel needed and valued, build self-esteem and self-confidence, meet new people, make a difference in someone’s life.

Many Boone County organizations offer volunteer opportunities, contact The Belvidere Park District at 815-5475711, The Belvidere Family YMCA at 815-547-5307, The Belvidere Salvation Army 815-544-3892, The Belvidere Boone County Food Pantry 815-569-1571 for more information. Many churches use volunteers for various programs, contact your local church for more information.

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

If Fitness & Wellness Is Your Goal

SHARE YOUR GOOD HEALTH

with Others.

BE A BLOOD DONOR.

(877) RRVBC-99

The Belvidere Park District offers an Indoor Walking Club for ages 21 & up. Walking is beneficial for maintaining a good heart & is fun as well. Bring a friend and walk at your own pace. Come on over to the Rivers Edge Recreation Center gymnasium & walk your way to good health. 8:30 - 11:30 AM, Monday - Friday.

Hatha Yoga for all ages - 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. Beginner & Intermediate classes are at the Rivers Edge Rec. Center with instructor Jeff Leaich call 815-547-5711 for dates & times.

The Belvidere Family YMCA offers Silver Sneakers Programs! An innovative national exercise program specifically designed for the unique health & physical needs of older adults. This program focuses on improving strength, flexibility, balance, & coordination. You will also enjoy the great music & camaraderie of the other participants in the program. Please contact the YMCA for more information, 815-547-5307.

Cardio Circuit Class For YMCA & Silver Sneakers Members Only. Combining fun & fitness to increase your cardiovascular & muscular endurance power with a standing circuit workout. Upper body strength work using hand-held weights, elastic tubing with handles, & a ball is alternated with nonimpact aerobic movements. A chair is offered for support, head to toe stretching & complete relaxation in a comfortable position. This class is designed for 65 & older.

Classes are Tues/Thur 9:30-10:15 AM & Tues/Thurs 10:30-11:15 AM through the Winter. Call for information.

(877-778-2299) rrvbc.org

Barr’s Flowers 119 S. State St. 815-544-3141

Our Family Is Here For Yours.

Belvidere’s Only Complete Florist Seasonal Giftware, Purses & Scarves, Greeting Cards, Truffles & More!

Family Owned & Operated Same Day Delivery Available Monday-Saturday! www.barrsflowers.com Proud member of the teleflora network ©

218 W. Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere

815-544-2616

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 14

December 8, 2016

BOONE COUNTY

Free Consultation

SENIOR LIVING

• Wills • Trusts • Probate • Powers of Attorney • Nursing Home Planning • Real Estate

A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

Creative Christmas Gift Basket Ideas Contributed By Barr’s Flowers, 119 S. State Street, Belvidere

John H. Maville Attorney At Law 815-544-3165

Gift baskets have grown in popularity & are the favorite choice of many when it comes to giving. Gift baskets not only allow those doing the giving to personalize their gift more, but also to get more creative in the gifts themselves.

Baskets are functional & many people love them & will use them well after the gift inside has been removed. However, not every recipient can or will make use of a basket. Instead of giving a gift basket with an actual basket as the basis, why not try something a bit more creative & useful to the beneficiary?

All it takes is a bit of thought and fore planning to find the perfect creative gift basket without a basket. Remember, just because you are sending a Christmas gift doesn’t mean the gift itself has to be decorated for the holidays.

Are the creative juices flowing yet? If not, that’s OK. Here a few ideas to help you get started on the perfect creative gift basket.

Do you know someone on your list who loves to cook? Instead of wrapping up a basket filled with kitchen items in cellophane paper, use a crock pot or a stock pot instead. A stock pot is big enough to hold even tall items, so don’t leave out those long handled spoons or box of foil. To add to the surprise, replace the lid and return the pot to its original box. Slap a pretty bow on the box and you’re done. They’ll think you neglected to wrap the gift (play along if you want) until they lift the lid off of the stock pot & find all their goodies inside.

Is Dad or another man in the family an avid fisherman? Use an old fashioned wicker tackle box to hold a bunch of fishing items. Stuff your creative gift basket full of lures, handkerchiefs, line, a coffee thermos, and anything else you think he could use on his next fishing trip. When he’s ready to head out, he’ll only need to grab the tack box & his pole & he’s ready to go.

For the women on your list, think about the one thing most women want, but don’t always get a chance to do.

Women love to take time out for themselves & though sending them to a spa for a day is a great gift, not everyone will be able to schedule that much time away. So, instead of sending them to the spa, a gift basket filled with pampering items they can use at home is sometimes more practical. One way you can present her gifts is inside of relaxation apparel. Start with a huge box & place a plush robe & slippers inside. But don’t stop here.

Turn the rob & slippers into a creative gift basket by filling each pocket with lotions, a manicure kit, a towel, eye mask, & more. Then, use the slippers to hide aromatherapy candles & bath salts. Just a tip, using slipper socks will give you more room for even more gifts. Imagine her surprise when she pulls out the robe & finds all the other goodies in the pockets.

At Barr’s Flowers we have many unique gift items that we can customize into the perfect gift for any woman on your list. Scarves, jewelry, lotions & soaps, always make great gift ideas. Candles & home decor items are fun to give as well. We can help by making the unique gifts from scratch or incorporating a few items in to what you have gathered. The wrap always makes the gift and we certainly can help make a beautiful presentation!

www.mavillelaw.com Suite 307, 600 S. State, Belvidere

For Independent Seniors Now Age 55+

PEARL PLACE SENIOR APARTMENTS

(815)547-8479 520 Pearl St. • Belvidere Medicare & Most Insurance ACCEPTED

THE RIGHT CARE, RIGHT AT H ME • • • •

This Month’s Healthy Recipe Nutrition Facts SPINACH LASAGNA Servings Per Recipe: Recipe Provided By The U of I Extension Office

Ingredients 2 teaspoons olive oil or canola oil 2 garlic cloves minced 1 can (8 oz.) “no salt added” tomato sauce 1 can (16 oz.) diced tomatoes 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/2 teaspoon oregano 2 teaspoons olive oil or canola oil 1/4 cup chopped onions 1 box (8 oz.) uncooked lasagna noodles

1 package (10 oz.) fresh spinach, washed, stemmed, and chopped or 1 package (10 oz.) frozen chopped, spinach, thawed & squeezed to remove excess liquid 12 oz. 1% fat cottage cheese or 12 oz. reduced-fat ricotta cheese 8 oz. shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Cooking spray

SLEEP THERAPY HOME OXYGEN MOBILITY POWER CHAIRS

5027 Harrison Avenue, Rockford

815-965-9454 Mon.-Fri. 9 AM-5 PM • Sat. 9 AM-1 PM

www.integratedhc.com

Amount Per Serving:

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375˚. Lightly coat baking dish with cooking spray.

2. In large saucepan over low heat, saute garlic in two teaspoons olive oil for one minute. Do not let garlic brown. Add tomato sauce & tomatoes, pepper & oregano. Simmer gently over low heat, uncovered, while preparing other ingredients.

3. In large skillet over low heat, saute onions in remaining two teaspoons olive oil, stirring constantly, until onions are transparent but not brown.

Add chopped spinach, stirring constantly.

4. Layer uncooked lasagna noodles, sauce, spinach mixture, cottage cheese, & mozzarella in baking pan. Repeat, using all ingredients, ending with a layer of sauce. Sprinkle top with Parmesan cheese.

5. Cover baking dish tightly with foil. Bake for one hour at 375˚ or until lasagna noodles are cooked. (If noodles are cooked before assembling lasagna, bake uncovered and reduce baking time to 25 minutes.)

Note: Lasagna can be assembled & frozen, uncooked. To prepare lasagna that has been frozen, defrost in refrigerator for 3-4 hours, & then bake, covered, for 1.5 hours or more. Lasagna is done when cheese in center is melted, all noodles are cooked, & casserole is very hot all the way to the center.

SCOOTERS RAMPS STAIR LIFTS BATH SAFETY

Locally Owned & Operated Since 1988

8 Servings Calories 273 Calories From Fat 81 Total Fat 9 g Cholesterol 21 mg Sodium 746 mg Carbohydrates 30 g Dietary Fiber 2 g Protein 19 g

• • • •

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.

FRIDAY WALLEYE DINNER $7.95 BREAKFAST EVERY DAY....STARTING AT $3.95 1/2 Orders Available

NEW ITEMS ADDED DAILY! Senior Citizen Discounts Carryouts Anytime

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

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

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