Boone County Shopper Senior Living March 2024

B O O N E C O U N T Y

B O O N E C O U N T Y BOONE COUNTY

Significant Days During Holy Week

Each year in early spring, Christians across the globe celebrate their faith on Easter. Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, an event which is described in the New Testament. Mass on Easter Sunday annually attracts millions of the faithful. However, many days during the week preceding Easter Sunday, often referred to as Holy Week, also bear significance to faithful Christians.

Palm Sunday - Palm Sunday begins Holy Week & commemorates the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. Upon entering the city, Jesus was greeted by crowds waving palm branches. That is why Christians receive palm branches or palm crosses during Palm Sunday Mass.

Holy Wednesday - Holy Wednesday draws attention to the abandonment of Jesus by his disciples. Holy Wednesday services may feature Tenebrae, a religious service characterized by the extinguishing of candles. That portion of the service is meant to symbolize darkness, which is what “Tenebrae” means in Latin.

Maundy Thursday - The Last Supper is commemorated on Maundy Thursday, which also commemorates the Washing of the Feet (Maundy). The Last Supper was Jesus’s final meal with his apostles before his crucifixion. According to Christian scripture, Jesus predicted one of the apostles present at the meal would betray him. This also was when Jesus foretold that Peter will deny knowing him three times before the next morning. A ccording to Trinity College, Maundy Thursday reminds Christians to love others as Jesus loves them.

Good Friday - Good Friday commemorates the trial of Jesus & his resulting death sentence, torture, crucifixion, & burial. It’s hard to characterize any of those things as “good,” which can cause a little confusion among Christians & non-Christians alike. However, Trinity College indicates that, in this context, “good” connotes something holy or pious.

Holy Saturday - Holy Saturday concludes Holy Week. Even though many faithful Christians awake early & don their Sunday best on Easter morning, Holy Saturday celebrations are not muted. On Holy Saturday, Christians may attend a late-night Easter Vigil service that includes a liturgy & the celebration of the Eucharist. The two-part celebration commemorates the Eucharist as symbolic of the emergence from darkness into the light.

Holy Week is a time for faithful Christians to celebrate their faith in advance of Easter Sunday. The Boone County Shopper will publish our Easter Services Page on Thursday, March 21st which will include a schedule of Holy Week Services for area churches.

Memorial Bench & Tree Program

The Belvidere Park District invites all to honor departed family members & friends through the planting of a memorial tree or bench in a public park or along a trail. For more information on this program please contact Jonathan Cudzewicz, Superintendent of Parks, 815-547-5711 x103 or jcudzewicz@belviderepark.org

S E N I O R L I V I N G S E N I O R L I V I N G SENIOR LIVING

Do You Have An Oops In Your Medicare Plan

Submitted By: Yvonne Peterson, Medicare 411

Medicare, what a complicated topic! I want to shed a little light on a little talked about enrollment period, OEP. I think most people on Medicare understand that they can review their plans in the fall, during Annual Enrollment Period or AEP which runs from October 15th - December 15th. At this time, you can change pretty much anything & everything about your plan. However, there are other enrollment periods that just don’t get as much attention but can be critical to your healthcare needs. Currently we are in Open Enrollment Period or OEP, which is January through March. Different from AEP, this enrollment period offers the opportunity to change specific things. I like to consider it the “OOPS” period, as in “Oops, I don’t think this plan is going to be the best for me this year!”

Medicare Open Enrollment Period: Now through March 31

What can I do?

• If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage), you can switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage).

• You can drop your Medicare Advantage Plan & return to a Supplement (Original Medicare) & add a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.

What can’t I do?

• Switch from a Supplement (Original Medicare) to a Medicare Advantage Plan.

• Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan if you’re in Original Medicare.

• Switch from one Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to another if you’re in Original Medicare.

If you find yourself wondering if you have the right plan, don’t let this opportunity slip by. I encourage you to reach out to your Medicare Insurance Broker, if you don’t have one, I can help you compare and make certain that you are in the plan that is right for you. For more information call me, Yvonne Peterson at 815-414-9044, my services are always free. Don’t let 2024 be your Oops year!

Boone County Museum of History Lecture Series

The Boone County Museum of History will host the next installment of their 2024 Lecture Series on Thursday, March 21st at 6 PM. Lynne Rymarz will give a presentation featuring Hedy Lamarr in the Grand Gallery of the museum located at 314 S. State Street, Belvidere.

Hedy Lamarr was an Austrian American actress during MGM’s “Golden Age” who also left her mark on technology. She helped develop an early technique for spread spectrum communications - the key to many wireless communications of our present day.

Please plan to attend as Lynne shares stories of Hedy’s life. The lecture series programs are free to sustaining members, $5 for regular members, and $10 for non-members. For more information call 815-544-8391 or visit bcmuseumofhistory.org.

Do Your Kids Want Your Stuff?

Submitted By: Angie Wait, Realtor, Keller Williams Realty Signature, Loves Park

As an experienced real estate agent who has dealt with many estates, it is sad to see heirs throw items away or basically give them away for free when they clean out their parent’s house. I know parents save items for their children thinking they will want them, but in most cases they do not.

A report from Kiplinger found that most children don’t want their parents’ belongings & need help getting rid of stuff their parents spent a lifetime acquiring! In real life, after their parents die most children begin to research how to get rid of all the “stuff” left in the family home. Whether it’s the family home or vacation retreat, treasured collections or family heirlooms in many cases, the kids simply don’t want it, don’t have room for it or can’t afford to own it. According to Kiplinger, there’s a lot you can do today to make life easier for your loved ones after you are gone. Here are a few tips to prepare your estate & get rid of items:

Have A Family Inheritance Meeting - If you don’t know if your family wants your family heirlooms, ask them! Call a family inheritance meeting & ask who wants what - and make sure you’re ready to accept that what you value & treasure may not be important to your children & grandchildren. Don’t make them feel guilty: Your goal is to simplify life & protect your loved ones - not your stuff!

Sell Your Valuables - There are many online and brick & mortar places to sell your valuables, collections, antiques & heirlooms. If no one uses the family vacation home, sell it. If your children don’t want to live in the family home after you are gone, speak to a local realtor so your children can easily sell the home when you no longer live there.

Donate - Some valuables over time lose value & simply are sellable. Donate your things to a local charity where someone who needs them will truly appreciate them.

If you are looking to downsize or talk about what your home may be worth, please call me, Angie Wait, for a consultation at 815-494-1531.

If you have questions, need explanation or feel you might be able to do better, call me and I’ll review your plan for FREE.

Medicare 411 is locally owned and as a Broker I’m contracted with a dozen companies to ensure a true comparison of what is available in OUR AREA!

How Nutritional Needs Change With Age

Healthy eating is important at any age & can set the course for a life of vitality & wellness. Sufficient nutrition can help prevent chronic illnesses & make sure that growing bodies develop properly. As one ages, various changes take place in the body, making healthy eating even more essential.

According to Healthline, nutritional deficiencies can effect aging individuals, which can decrease quality of life & lead to poor health outcomes. Individuals should pay attention to their vitamin & mineral intake at various ages so they do not miss out on important nutrients. As a person ages, here are some approaches to consider.

• Consume fewer calories: According to Connie Bales, PhD, RD, associate director of the Geriatric Research, Education, & Clinical Center at Durham VA Medical Center, people need fewer calories every decade. That’s because individuals are moving around less & have less muscle. This causes a decline in metabolic rate.

• Include more nutrient-dense foods: Even though caloric needs go down with age, it’s important to pack as much nutrition into the calories a person does consume. That means finding nutrient-rich foods like whole grains, fruits, nuts, beans, vegetables, fish, & lean cuts of meat.

• Consume more lean protein: Muscle loss & loss of strength can develop as a person ages. Healthline says the average adult loses 3% to 8% of their muscle mass each decade after age 30. Eating more protein could help aging bodies maintain muscle.

• Eat fortified cereals & grains: The ability to absorb vitamin B12 can decrease as one gets older & with the use of certain medicines. Many health professionals recommend patients get more vitamin B12 by consuming foods enriched with this vitamin. Vitamin supplements may be needed in addition to food.

• Drink more fluids: Health.com says sensation of thirst declines with age. Drinking water & other fluids becomes a priority to stay hydrated. It also helps with digestion.

• Prioritize bone health: Osteoporosis is a concern for older adults, particularly women who have reached menopause. Osteoporosis occurs when bones become brittle & can break from only the slightest bump or fall, says the Mayo Clinic. Vitamin D & calcium help strengthen bones, & older adults may need more of these nutrients.

Individuals should speak with their health care providers & nutritionists for further insight into their changing nutritional needs. Such professionals can help customize diets to address specific health concerns.

Dilled Fish

Directions

1. Put frozen fish in refrigerator overnight or thaw in microwave oven & separate into four pieces

2. Wash hands with soap & water, spray frying pan with nonstick cooking spray.

3. Place thawed fish in heated frying pan. Sprinkle fish with lemon juice & seasonings.

4. Cook covered over medium heat until fish flakes when tested with a fork, about 5 minutes. Internal temperature of fish should reach 145 degrees F on food thermometer.

What Does Caffeine Do To The Body?

Around 80% of the U.S. population consumes caffeine regularly. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, & some headache medications. Caffeine is the most widely consumed nervous system stimulant. Caffeine is considered a psychoactive drug. That means it alters the mind. Caffeine can change the way people think & feel. Healthline says the stimulating effects of caffeine contribute to its popularity. Caffeine will cause immediate alertness & temporarily relieve fatigue. Caffeine also may help enhance mood, & Healthline reports that one study found caffeine was linked to a 45% reduced risk of suicide in participants.

Moderate amounts of caffeine may help increase focus & attention, according to the mental health & substance abuse resource Here to Help. It also may help boost endurance while playing sports or engaging in other physical activities. Generally speaking, when caffeine is used in low to moderate amounts, it could prove beneficial. It’s when too much caffeine is consumed that people can get in trouble. The following are some of the detrimental effects of caffeine.

• Confusion & over stimulation can occur.

• Headaches can happen from too much caffeine or from withdrawal.

• Irritability also may be a symptom of withdrawal when the body becomes accustomed to caffeine.

• Caffeine may help keep a person regular, but too much can do the opposite & lead to diarrhea.

• Excessive caffeine can prevent calcium absorption in the bones, which may increase risk for osteoporosis.

• Increased blood pressure also may result from consuming caffeine in high amounts.

Caffeine can have many effects on the body. It’s important to understand both the positive & negative impacts.

S E N I O R L I V I N G S E N I O R L I V I N G SENIOR LIVING

Thank You For Your Care & Commitment

Submitted By: Kelly Hillan, Exec. Director of The Keen Age Center

We would like to express our deepest appreciation for your incredible generosity & support during our recent Holiday Appeal. Thanks to your unwavering care & commitment, we have successfully raised $15,000 to support the programs & activities of Boone County Council on Aging at Keen Age Center.

Your contributions have made a significant impact on our organization’s ability to continue serving our community & making a positive difference in the lives of the older people we serve. The success of our fundraiser goes beyond the monetary value. Your belief in our mission & willingness to stand by us gives us the motivation & inspiration to keep pushing forward. With your help, we will be able to continue providing essential programs that offer a vital connection for Boone County’s Seniors:

• Welcoming Keen Age Center builds minds, bodies, and human connections.

• Knowledgeable Information & Assistance connects people with resources, benefits & friendly conversation.

• Loving In-Home Care connects people with vital support to live in their home.

• Generous Lending Closet connects people with needed mobility equipment.

To acknowledge your support, the names of our generous donors are included in our newsletter. We hope this small gesture serves as a token of our gratitude & recognition of your valuable contribution.

Once again, thank you for your unwavering support. We are truly humbled and honored to have you as part of our community. Together, we are making a positive change & creating a brighter future for Boone County’s older people.

Boone County Council On Aging Lending Closet

Do you need a wheelchair, commode, walker, toilet riser, shower chair or a bathtub transfer seat? The Boone County Council on Aging has you covered! Call 815-544-9893 & leave your name & what item you are looking for and they will check their inventory. You must call in advance before picking up any item.

The Council on Aging wants to help you save money, so call before you purchase anything new. It will save you & your insurance from paying out unnecessary dollars. They also keep a list of large medical equipment. Some things currently on the list are hospital beds, electric wheelchairs, stair lift, stationary bike, electric scooter, lift chair, ramp & more! Call for more information.

Paws Off! Practice Pet Poison Prevention

Companion animals typically do not understand that certain items in their environments can be harmful. Pets’ innate curiosity coupled with unique aromas produced by common household items can put them in jeopardy of potentially deadly poisoning.

According to veterinary experts at WebMD Pet Health Center, an estimated 232,000 cases of pet poisoning occur annually in the United States. In March 2022, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline fielded 22% more calls stemming from incidents of pet toxicity than in 2021. The following are some steps pet owners can take to protect their companion animals against poisoning.

• Don’t leave out human food. Dogs, cats & other animals may be lured by the sweet temptation of their owners’ food. Many food scraps can be toxic to pets, including alcoholic beverages, chocolate, coffee beans, moldy foods, & raisins, among others. Keep the kitchen tidy & trash cans (indoor & outdoor) secured.

• Be careful with houseplants. While they may look beautiful & filter indoor air, certain houseplants can be toxic to pets if ingested. Before bringing any new plants into your home, check the ASPCA Toxic & Non-Toxic Plant Guide. Lilies may be pretty, but they also are quite toxic. The smallest nibble can be fatal to cats.

• Keep medications locked away. Be sure that over-the-counter & prescription medications are locked away & cannot be accessed by curious pets. Even seemingly mild medications, like human pain relievers, can be toxic to pets.

• Be safe when spring cleaning. Keep pets out of rooms when they are being cleaned by chemical products or when using insecticides. Wait a day or more before letting pets back into the area. Store products beyond a pet’s reach when they’re not in use.

With diligence, a significant percentage of pet poisonings can be prevented. Pet owners should do their homework about toxic items in & around their homes & do their best to keep pets safe.