Boone County Senior News March 2017

Page 7

March 2, 2017

March

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

For Independent Seniors

BOONE COUNTY

Now Age 55+

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day Perhaps in part to its widespread use in St. Patrick’s Day decorations and imagery, the shamrock is widely considered the official symbol of Ireland. But while St. Patrick is believed to have used the shamrock to teach the Christian notion of the Holy Trinity, the clover was never an official symbol of Ireland. That designation is held by the harp, which has been featured on the coat of arms of Ireland for centuries. The harp also was adopted as the emblem of the Irish Free State when it separated from the United Kingdom in 1922.

PEARL PLACE SENIOR APARTMENTS

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

THE RIGHT CARE, RIGHT AT H ME • • • •

SLEEP THERAPY HOME OXYGEN MOBILITY POWER CHAIRS

• • • •

SCOOTERS RAMPS STAIR LIFTS BATH SAFETY

Locally Owned & Operated Since 1988 5027 Harrison Avenue, Rockford

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

www.integratedhc.com

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

Heritage Woods of Belvidere is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Party on Friday, March 17th. Join us and eat, drink and be Irish! Serving Corned Beef & Cabbage from 11 AM - 1 PM. Entertainment will begin at 2 PM featuring Marguerite Hubbard performing a variety of memorable tunes. Come sign along with Marguerite. Please RSVP

by March 6th at 815-544-9495. Heritage Woods is located at 4730 Squaw Prairie Road in Belvidere.

This Month’s Healthy Recipe Nutrition Facts CABBAGE CASSEROLE Recipe Provided By The U of I Extension Office

Ingredients 1/2 small head cabbage, cut into big pieces 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 cup water

1/2 cup nonfat milk 1/4 cup reduced fat cheddar cheese 1/2 Tbsp. flour 1/4 cup croutons

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. 2. Steam cabbage in salted water for approximately 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.

3. In a medium saucepan, heat milk over low-medium heat. Slowly whisk in cheese and flour.

4. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat.

5. In a small casserole dish, layer cabbage and cheese sauce, sprinkle with croutons.

6. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

Servings Per Recipe: 2 Servings

Amount Per Serving: Calories 130 Fat 2.5g Sodium 500 mg Carbohydrates 20 g Fiber 6 g

Daylight Saving Time Begins March 12th Regions that adhere to daylight saving time, or DST, will set their clocks forward at 2 a.m. on Sunday March 12, 2017. Many people look forward to daylight saving time in the spring because it extends light into the evening hours, allowing those who live in regions where DST is practiced to spend more time outdoors in natural sunlight. The modern incarnation of DST was proposed by New Zealand entomologist and astronomer George Vernon Hudson in 1895. Hudson enjoyed collecting insects and knew that it would be easier to do so if there were more hours of daylight in the evening. That prompted him to present a paper to the Wellington Philosophical Society in which he proposed a two-hour daylight saving shift. In April 1916, Germany and Austria-Hungary became the first countries to implement DST, and many countries have since followed suit. Many proponents cite the positive impact that DST has on energy consumption, but research studying the impact of DST on heating and cooling usage patterns has produced mixed results.

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

Page 8

March 2, 2017

BOONE COUNTY

Belvidere Funeral Home Inc.

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

Appointment Companions Are A Smart Move Visits to a physician are just one step people make in an effort to improve their well-being.

While it’s important that everyone visit their physicians at least once a year for a checkup, seniors may need to see their physicians more frequently than other age groups.

When visiting the doctor, it is easy for anyone to miss important components of what the doctor is saying, and it’s just as easy to misunderstand certain instructions or medication information. Seniors who bring companions along to appointments with their physicians can reduce the risk of misunderstanding advice or diagnoses given by their doctors.

Data from U.S. News and World Report states that about one-third of seniors still living on their own take a companion with them to their routine doctor’s office visits. Companions are typically spouses, but they can include children or other family members as well.

Patients may find there are many advantages to bringing someone along to an appointment. And companions may want to learn more about patients’ goals at each appointment prior to going along.

Listen - People tend to forget at least half of what they hear in the doctor’s office, says the Archives of Internal Medicine. This tendency may be increased when patients are nervous about the potential outcome of their visits.

Bringing a companion along means that both people are actively listening. Together, the information they’ve heard can combine to provide a full account of the visit.

Taking notes - Companions can jot down important notes about the appointment, such as dates and times for follow-up visits, medication advice & any other instructions that may be forgotten once the patient leaves the office.

Medical history - Sometimes a companion can be a useful resource, calling a doctor’s attention to a patient’s prior hospitalizations & illnesses. They can even call attention to any medications the patient is currently taking.

Serving as an advocate - Very often a companion can operate as a patient advocate, clarifying questions or getting further information out of a doctor if the patient is hesitant to ask. If the information isn’t clear, the companion can raise red flags or ask to have the instructions put in a different light.

Common Causes Of Poor Vision Vision loss is a common condition, as the World Health Organization notes that more than 285 million people across the globe suffer some type of visual impairment. Many people can effectively counter their vision problems with prescription lenses, but others may have a more significant issue, such as low vision.

The Kellogg Eye Center defines low vision as a reduced level of vision that cannot be fully corrected with conventional glasses. Those with low vision have some useful sight and are not considered completely blind.

Symptoms of low vision include difficulty recognizing objects at a distance or problems with differentiating colors.

Yet, not everyone dealing with these symptoms has low vision. Specialized testing can determine if a person has low vision or another condition.

Many conditions can impact sight & contribute to vision loss. Here’s a look at some of the more common ones.

• Glaucoma: A person with glaucoma may gradually lose peripheral vision. Early symptoms, such as a subtle loss of contrast, may be unnoticeable. Eventually, glaucoma may cause tunnel vision, which occurs when a person can only see through a small window.

• Macular degeneration: Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss, affecting more than 10 million people in the United States alone, according to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation. The AMDF offers that macular degeneration is caused by the deterioration of the retina’s central portion, known as the macula. The macula is responsible for focusing central vision in the eye, & it contributes to one’s ability to read, drive a car, recognize faces or colors & see objects in fine detail.

• Retinal detachment: An increase of floaters or sudden flashes of light in vision may be indicative of retinal detachment or a tear in the retina. When caught promptly, a detached retina may be repaired. However, if left untreated & the detachment reaches the macula in the center of the retina, vision loss may be irreparable.

• Diabetic retinopathy: Blurring or patchy vision loss can be a side effect of high blood glucose levels. Not all people with diabetes will develop vision problems, but it is common enough to warrant attention.

• Cataracts: According to The Mayo Clinic, a cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye.

Cataracts develop when aging or injury changes the tissue that makes up the eyes’ lenses. Clouded vision can make it more difficult to read or drive. Over time, cataracts may obscure vision & require surgical repair.

Routine eye examinations can bring potential vision disturbances to light & facilitate faster treatment. If you have any of these conditions or other vision issues, please contact Family Optical Centre at 815-544-3431.

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

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

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

815-226-1444

Page 9

March 2, 2017

DISPILL Medication Packaging System

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 & 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

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

How To Give Back To Veterans

Members of the military serve their country proudly, often sacrificing the luxuries of home & time spent with their families to do so. When veterans return home from training or deployment, many people want to show how much they appreciate their sacrifices, but don’t know the best way to do so.

Donations to a veterans’ charity is one measure of support the public can offer.

Many charities work to serve the needs of veterans. The Wounded Warrior Project provides rehabilitation, counseling & activities for veterans who were wounded during service, while Homes for Our Troops remodels homes or builds them for troops who were injured & need their homes remodeled as a result of their injuries.

The USO provides a variety of services for veterans & can always use donations or volunteers.

Another way to help veterans is to assist with their pets. Some dogs & cats get left behind when troops are deployed or forced to move. Volunteering to foster a pet until a soldier returns is another way to give back. Some military service dogs can be injured or traumatized during battle. Working dogs can be rehabilitated or adopted upon returning home.

According to the organization Veterans, Inc., veterans are more at risk of becoming homeless than those who do not serve in the military. Some causes of homelessness include lack of education & transferable skills after returning from military life. Physical & mental health issues can make finding work challenging. Some veterans may cope with trauma resulting from their deployment by leaning on drugs & alcohol, & that can interfere with their ability to get and/or keep jobs. Individuals can help veterans by opening their homes to friends & family members who may need a temporary place to stay. Encourage veterans to embrace job training programs or seek therapy if necessary.

Providing support to military personnel can mean a world of difference. Correspond with veterans through mail, email or text messages. Operation American Soldier establishes connections between civilians & troops so that all soldiers receive daily mail, whether it’s a care package or letter of thanks. Other simple ways people can give back to troops is to personally thank them for serving their country. Share time with veterans & ask to spend time listening to their stories & experiences.

Immanuel Lutheran Kare-9 & K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry is sponsoring a Veterans Brunch & Benefits Seminar, Saturday, March 18th, beginning at 9 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church in the Fellowship Hall (please use door #4), 1045 Belvidere Rd., Belvidere. Please plan on attending and visit with some of the vendors including: Rockford Vet Center, Illinois Dept. of Veteran Affairs, Veterans Health Administration Transition Assistance Program, Veterans Assistance Commission of Boone County and LCCKare-9 Military Ministry.

Prepare Cooling Systems For Warm Weather

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

One springtime task on homeowners’ to-do lists is checking cooling systems to ensure they are ready for summer. Proper maintenance of cooling systems is essential to saving energy & keeping utility costs down.

Fortunately, homeowners need not be certified HVAC technicians to maintain their cooling units.

• Clean filters. Whether a home is kept cool by a whole-house central air conditioning system or window units, clean filters are necessary to keep the units working efficiently. Routinely replacing or cleaning filters is one of the most important maintenance tasks to improve airflow & increase efficiency.

• Know the square footage. When replacing a cooling system, have an understanding of the size of your home (or room if installing a window unit). Determine the area of the home so you buy a unit that suits your needs. Air conditioners use BTUs (British Thermal Units) to define cooling power. The more BTUs, the larger the space that can be cooled. However, homeowners do not want to exceed the necessary cooling power.

• Inspect system coils. The evaporator & condenser coils on air conditioners can collect dirt, even when filters are maintained. Dirty coils are less efficient at absorbing heat, so periodically remove the dirt. Outdoor coils can be kept cleaner by cutting back foliage from the unit to allow better air flow.

• Inspect condensate drains. Energy.gov also suggests making sure condensate drains, which take moisture pulled from the air away, are functioning properly. If clogged, they may not be effective.

• Clear debris. Remove fallen leaves or other plant material from condenser units & fan blades. Obstructed components can cause the system to retain heat, compromising its ability to work effectively.

• Check window unit seals. When installing window units, make sure all seals around the air conditioner are in place to prevent cool-air loss.

• Hire a technician. Air conditioner technicians can be very helpful & will know how to prepare a system for hot weather. Technicians typically conduct multipoint inspections. If a homeowner suspects the thermostat is not working properly, a technician can verify if that is true & even install a new one if necessary.

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 10

March 2, 2017

HAVE YOU HEARD?

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

Common Causes Of Seasonal Allergies Allergy triggers are all around, & the rates of those people affected by various allergies seems to be growing. Worldwide, the rise in prevalence of allergic diseases has continued in the industrialized world for more than 50 years, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

Sensitization to foreign proteins in one’s environment is present in up to 40% of the world’s population.

An allergy is defined as an overreaction of the human immune system to a foreign protein (allergen) that is eaten, inhaled, touched, or injected into the body. Allergies can cause such reactions as stuffy or runny noses, itchy eyes, coughing/sneezing, rashes, & hives. More severe reactions can include difficulty breathing, a lowering of blood pressure & asthma attacks.

Millions of visits to physician offices result in a primary diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, or hay fever - one of the most common allergy manifestations. The CDC says 17.6 million Americans were diagnosed with hay fever in the past 12 months. Allergic rhinitis is a common condition that creates symptoms similar to a cold. Unlike a cold, which is caused by a virus, allergic rhinitis is an allergic response to any number of triggers. Usually hay fever can be brought on by any number of allergens & sometimes it can be difficult to narrow down the exact cause. However, here are some of the more common allergens.

• Pollen: Of all things that can cause an allergy, those resulting from pollen tend to be the most prolific. Pollen can be released from trees, grasses, weeds, & flowers throughout much of the year. While the main goal of pollen is to fertilize other plants, pollen that is inhaled can cause allergic reactions.

• Dust: Dust is an accumulation of microscopic particles that become trapped in a home. A large portion of dust is comprised of dust mites. WebMD says about 20 million Americans are allergic to dust mites & their waste. Dust mites feed on skin from pets & humans. They tend to spike in numbers during warmer weather or if indoor temperatures are kept at 75 degrees F or higher. Using a HEPA filter vacuum & air purifiers may help.

• Animal dander: Millions of pet owners have an allergy to their animals, says AAAAI. It’s not the fur of the animal that causes the trouble, but usually proteins found in a pet’s shed skin, saliva & urine that can cause problems.

Keep in mind that there are no truly hypoallergenic breeds, & length of hair or fur will not eliminate allergies.

• Mold: Tiny fungi with spores that float through the air, mold is yet another common allergen. Preventing the environment needed for mold to grow can reduce allergic reactions. Air out homes to keep them dry.

Allergies can occur all year long & be bothersome. Working with an allergist & avoiding the most common triggers can help people feel more comfortable.

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

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

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

• 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

6 Simple Ways To Greener Living Protecting the planet is a goal for millions of people across the globe. And that’s a good thing, as the planet is increasingly in need of help. Behaviors few people may give a second thought to can dramatically impact the planet in a negative way. For example, according to Worldwatch Institute, 100 billion plastic bags are thrown away each year, less than 1% find their way into recycling bins. The end result of that waste is the deaths of around 1 billion birds & mammals each year due to the ingestion of plastic.

If that information elicits deep emotions, perhaps this is the year to embrace a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

Recycling & reusing is a good start, but there are other ways to embrace green-living practices in everyday life.

• Plan a spring garden. Explore the possibilities of a vegetable garden & planting some fruit trees. Growing your own food can reduce reliance on commercially imported food products. Plus, the plants & other greenery will contribute to the environment in a positive way, by providing animal habitats & filtering the air.

• Rely on fresh air & natural light. To cool or even warm up a home, use outdoor air rather than the HVAC system.

Natural sunlight can warm up a space & illuminate it adequately.

• Reduce reliance on motor vehicles. The organization TreeHugger says there are around 700 million cars on the road, producing 900 million tons of carbon dioxide. Bicycling or walking can help reduce these emissions.

• Use natural cleaning ingredients. Vinegar, baking soda & citrus oils can be used to clean & deodorize, reducing reliance on harmful cleaning chemicals.

• Opt for paperless whenever possible. Reduce paper waste by signing up for paperless billing & receipts.

• Conduct a home energy audit. Find out if your home is hemorrhaging energy & money. A professional energy audit will check for water & air leaks, HVAC system efficiency, insulation levels, window quality, & much more.

Resolving to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle can produce positive results for years to come.

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

SHARE YOUR GOOD HEALTH

with Others.

BE A BLOOD DONOR.

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

Our Family Is Here For Yours.

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

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

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