Boone County Shopper Senior Living April 2022

April 7, 2022

Page 7

April

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

BOONE COUNTY

Jack Wolf Memorial

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

GOLF OUTING

MONDAY, MAY 23RD, 1:30 TEE TIME Presented By

• Round of Golf • Cart Usage • Drink Tokens • Buffet Dinner • Raffle Entry

Fun Activities To Do With Your Grandkids This Easter, take the opportunity to spend more time with your grandkids by organizing some fun themed activities. Instead of planning the usual Easter activities, make the holiday truly special this year with new & exciting activities that will spark their curiosity & appeal to their sense of adventure.

Here are a few ways you can get your grandkids involved in the Easter festivities with tons of intergenerational fun.

Dye & Decorate Eggs - One of the most beloved Easter traditions is dyeing eggs. There are tons of kits available that can be used to create a rainbow of different hues. You can opt for those traditional kits or explore the world of egg decorating. There are plenty of techniques you can try out with your grandkids. Dip-dyeing eggs is fun, but you can change it up this year by using an untraditional medium like nail polish, crayons, or even gold leaf.

Decorate Easter Baskets - Easter baskets are a lovely traditional gift that’s been enjoyed by generations of children. Purchasing a beautiful gift basket for your grandkids is always a fun treat, but why not turn the traditional Easter basket into a fun activity? You can get your grandchildren more involved by gifting them a basket & craft supplies to decorate that basket. Or you can fill the basket with different crafty projects to work on together. Whatever you choose, make sure you’re on hand to supervise & praise their creativity & ingenuity.

Cook or Bake Easter Treats - Many families host Easter meals & parties every year. If you’re hosting this year but want to be able to spend some quality time with your grandkids, invite them to help you with some of the cooking or baking.

Find Bunnies In The Wild - There’s a reason rabbits are associated with Easter: Spring is prime bunny time, and it’s your chance to see rabbits & their babies in the wild. For a unique Easter activity, take your grandkids on a nature walk & search for rabbits. It’s an opportunity to see the Easter Bunny in the wild!

Organize an Afternoon of Games - Easter weekend can be one of the first times in months that it’s warm enough to head outside. Encourage your grandkids to take advantage of the spring weather by organizing an afternoon of outdoor games. Games include egg bowling, Easter-themed charades or pin the tail on the bunny.

Start a Garden - Make use of leftover Easter eggs by creating a garden out of egg shells. To get started, help them carefully blow out the egg from the shell, then set them in an egg carton. With some packets of seeds & a bag of soil, help them carefully plant a single seed in each eggshell. This is a great place to sprout little seedlings, which can easily be transplanted straight into the garden once sprouts are tall enough.

For more fun activities visit www.nation.com/10-insanely-fun-easter-activities-to-do-with-your-grandkids.

Hosted By

Call To Sponsor or Register: 815-544-9893 Raising Funds For The Boone County Council On Aging At The Keen Age Center • www.keenage.org

give AS IF A LIFE DEPENDS ON IT ...because it does.

MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT 815-965-8751 or rrvbc.org We are proud to serve Boone County and surrounding communities as the only provider of blood and blood products.

Gardening With Ida Public Library The annual seed swap is back at the Ida Public Library! This event will be held outdoors on the back lot. It is a great event to build your garden. Bring some seeds to share & pick up new ones. Master Gardener, Sandie & the University of Illinois Extension Office will be on hand to answer questions. The seed swap will be Friday, March 20th at 10:30 AM in the back lot of the Ida Public Library, 320 N. State St., Belvidere. For more information call 815-544-3838.

The Library also offers a community garden located east of the parking lot. The community garden is a lovely spot to sit & enjoy the quiet. The Library gardeners grow a variety of vegetables & herbs all summer long that you are welcome to pick & eat. This program is sponsored by the Boone County Gardeners Club and the Boone County Extension Office.

• All-On-4 Implants • Dental Implants • Implant Support Dentures • Bone Grafting • Cosmetic Dentistry • General Dentistry • Sleep Dentistry

2nd Opinions & Complimentary Consultations 140 N. State St., Belvidere, IL 61008

815-544-5144 CHAPKOANDSHAH.COM

Page 8

April 7, 2022

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING

It Is Your Journey.

We Adapt To You!

A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

7 Surprising Health Benefits Of Walking Individuals looking for a way to incorporate exercise into their lives need look no further than their own feet.

Walking offers numerous health benefits to people of all ages, & it’s particularly beneficial to fitness novices.

Walking can facilitate a transition between inactivity & increased intensity for those who may have been away from exercise for some time.

According to Dr. Thomas Frieden, former director of the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, walking is “the closest thing people have to a wonder drug.” Any physical activity is a boon to personal health, & walking provides a host of benefits.

1. Strengthens bones: Walking can slow down the loss of bone mass due to osteoporosis. Arthritis.org notes that a study of postmenopausal women found that 30 minutes of walking each day reduced their risk of hip fractures by 40%.

2. Boosts cardio endurance: Regular walks can improve cardiovascular endurance, which can help people progress to more rigorous physical activity.

3. Burns calories: People can walk to burn calories & maintain or lose weight. The number of calories burned will depend on how briskly people walk, the distance they cover, their body weight, & the terrain where they walk.

4. Improves cardiovascular health: The American Heart Assoc. recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week. Walking can fit that bill. Walking five days a week can reduce risk for coronary heart disease by roughly 19%, according to a report in the European Journal of Epidemiology.

5. Counteracts effects of weight-promoting genes: Researchers at Harvard Medical School looked at 32 obesity-promoting genes in more than 12,000 people who walked briskly for about an hour a day. Walking reduced the effects of weight-promoting genes by 50%.

6. Tame cravings: People who have a sweet tooth can take notice that walking may steer people away from overindulgence. A pair of studies from the University of Exeter found a 15-minute walk can curb cravings for chocolate & reduce the chocolate consumed in stressful situations. Walking also helped to reduce cravings for other sugary snacks.

7. Reduces joint pain: Walking improves blood flow & helps protect the joints. This can keep people from developing arthritis & other stiffness.

Walking has many health benefits that can support the entire body. Looking for a place to walk locally & avoid the elements? The Community Building of Belvidere, 111 W. First Street offers FREE indoor walking for the public Monday-Thursday from 8:00 - 11:30 AM. For more information call 815-547-3928.

How Occupational Therapy Can Help With Arthritis Occupational therapy may sound like something exclusive to people who are injured on the job. Though occupational therapy helps people in the workplace every day, it also helps men & women, including those with arthritis, perform everyday activities that may or may not be work-related.

Arthritis can take both a physical & financial toll. The Arthritis Foundation notes that it’s difficult to determine just how many people currently suffer from arthritis, as treatment often isn’t sought until symptoms become severe.

Conservative estimates from the AF suggest 54 million adults in the U.S. currently have arthritis, though the organization reports that a recent study suggested as many as 91 million might be dealing with this painful inflammation & stiffness of the joints. As if the pain from arthritis weren’t enough, the condition also can cause financial problems for those who cannot work or only work part-time, with annual medical costs & earnings loss estimates in the hundreds of billions of dollars.

Occupation therapy can help people with arthritis overcome their conditions. The American Occupational Therapy Assoc., Inc., notes that most joints have the potential to develop arthritis, which can affect mobility, cause pain & even lead to deformity. However, the AOTA® also states that OT practitioners aim to help people with arthritis maximize their ability to participate in activities while striving to help patients enhance their quality of life.

Because there are more than 100 different types of arthritis, men & women diagnosed with the condition can benefit greatly from individualized care. One-size-fits-all solutions may not work for arthritis sufferers, who can benefit from one-on-one interactions with OT practitioners. For example, the AOTA® notes that OT practitioners may recommend personalized adaptive equipment to patients with arthritis who are experiencing pressure & discomfort in their hands when holding or working with objects. Before making such recommendations, OT practitioners may analyze patients’ daily activities to ensure they get equipment that will provide the support & relief their specific condition calls for.

Arthritis is a global concern that the Arthritis Foundation estimates will only become more prevalent in the decades to come. Occupational therapy can be just what arthritis sufferers need to overcome their conditions & improve their quality of life.

Extraordinary Senior Living Seniors live carefree lifestyles in a safe and secure environment where they make great friends, partake in hobbies and interests and enjoy independence even as their circumstances change.

www.wesleywillows.org

Call

815-316-1500

and discover Extraordinary Senior Living today!

Time to Live Well

(815) 977-4903

7025 Rote Rd. Rockford

SanctuaryHospiceIL.com

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

John H. Maville Attorney At Law 815-544-3165 www.mavillelaw.com Suite 307, 600 S. State, Belvidere

Book The Funderburg House For Your Next Event

Birthdays, Anniversaries, Meetings, Office Parties, Reunions, Bridal Showers, Baby Showers, Family Pictures & More

815-544-8391 funderburghouse.org The Funderburg House, 605 N. State Street, Belvidere

Page 9

April 7, 2022

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

The Many Benefits Of Tomatoes An Affordable Assisted Lifestyle Community for the Older Adult. Call for Information!

ONSITE: • Beauty Parlor • Country Store • Physician Visits • Mail Service • Nursing Staff • Private Senior Apartments • Restaurant Style Dining • Housekeeping & Laundry • 24 Hr. Personal Care Assist.

• In-House Emergency Response System • Medication Reminders & Assistance • Daily Activities & Transportation 4730 Squaw Prairie Rd. Belvidere

815-544-9495

www.hw-belvidere-slf.com Managed by Gardant Management Solutions

Need A Little Help Out Of Your Chair?

WE HAVE LIFT CHAIRS!

This Month’s Healthy Recipe Herbed Tomato Salad Ingredients 6 ripe tomatoes 1/8 t. garlic powder 1/2 t. sugar

1/2 t. black pepper 1/2 t. oregano 2 t. fresh or 1/2 t. dried basil

Recipe Provided By The U of I Extension Office

2 T. vinegar 2 T. olive oil

Nutrition Facts Per Serving (6 Servings) Calories 60 Total Fat 4.50 g Sodium 5.00 mg Carbohydrates 5.00 g Dietary Fiber 1.00 g Protein 1.00 g

Directions 1. Wash hands with soap & water. Gently rub tomatoes under cool running water.

2. Slice unpeeled tomatoes.

3. Mix lightly with remaining ingredients. Chill until served.

315 S. State St. Belvidere 815-547-6672

HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 9-5; Fri. 9-7; Sat. 9-4; Closed Sun. FURNITURE

ST

Modern diets designed with nutrition in mind are much more flavorful than the healthy diets of yesteryear. Healthy foods have long suffered from an ill-gotten reputation that they’re devoid of flavor, but one need only look at tomatoes to see how nutrition & flavor are not incompatible.

Tomatoes are often discussed in regard to their status as a fruit or vegetable. According to the European Food Information Council, tomatoes are technically both. The EUFIC notes that botanists classify tomatoes as fruit, while nutritionists adhere to a different classification system that defines tomatoes as vegetables. Regardless of how they’re classified, tomatoes are undeniably healthy. If the taste of tomatoes isn’t enough to convince people to eat more of them, perhaps these characteristics could be enough to compel more individuals to reach for this delicious fruit … or vegetable.

• Tomatoes are rich in the antioxidant lycopene. Harvard Medical School notes that tomatoes are rich in the antioxidant lycopene. Lycopene is a carotenoid that gives tomatoes their deep red color, but lycopene is about more than just aesthetics. Researchers in Finland reported in a study published in the journal Neurology that men with the greatest amounts of lycopene in their blood had a 55% lower risk of having any kind of stroke.

• Tomatoes can help lower cancer risk. Another reason to include more tomatoes in your diet concerns their connection to cancer. A study funded by the World Cancer Research Fund International found that men who consumed canned & cooked tomatoes five-six times a week had a 28% decreased risk of prostate cancer compared to men who never consumed tomatoes. The study’s author noted that cooked tomatoes were particularly valuable, as cooking increases the bioavailability of lycopene.

• Tomatoes can promote healthy vision. The lycopene found in tomatoes doesn’t stop at reducing risk for stroke. Lycopene also has been linked to promoting healthier eyes. The health supplement experts at 1MD NutritionTM note that routine exposure to light & environmental toxins makes eyes vulnerable to oxidative damage & disease caused by an excess of free radicals. Lycopene & other antioxidants scavenge free radicals & prevent cell & tissue damage, thus protecting eyes from conditions that can lead to blindness.

• Tomatoes can help lower “bad” cholesterol. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition linked high tomato consumption to a roughly 13% reduction in “bad” cholesterol. A separate study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that women who ate at least 10 servings of tomato-based products a week experienced significant improvements in total cholesterol. This link is important, as the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention notes that high levels of bad cholesterol increase individuals’ risk for heart disease & stroke.

Belvidere,

IL

REET PUB

111 BUCHANAN ST. | BELVIDERE, IL 61008 815-547-1012 SUNDAY - TUESDAY | 11AM – 2 AM WEDNESDAY - SATURDAY | 8AM – 2 AM

Volunteers Welcome At The Boone County Council On Aging As a 501c3 charitable organization, the BCCA relies on volunteers to fulfill its mission. By volunteering your time, you can help meet the needs of others. Please call to learn more or stop in at 2141 Henry Luckow Ln., Belvidere.

Regular Volunteer Opportunities (Call 815-544-9893): • Greeter: Welcome guests, assist with screening & sign-in, distribute information, & direct guests as needed.

• Meals-on-Wheels Delivery: Deliver meals to older, homebound individuals.

• Friends of KAC Member: Meet regularly to plan activities & fundraisers for Keen Age Center (KAC).

• Newsletter Production: Prepare newsletter for mailing.

• Computer Lab Helper: Share computer skills & teach others new technology.

• Medical Car Driver: Escort clients to medical appointments in Rockford area using one of BCCA’s medical cars (Call Shirley in Transportation 815-975-9059) Special Volunteer Opportunities (watch for updates in the BCCA newsletter): • Share a talent or special hobby by teaching a class or leading a program.

• Decorate the Keen Age Center for the seasons.

• Assist with income tax preparation after receiving AARP & IRS training & passing the test.

• Host the BCCA Pavilion at Boone County Fair.

Please volunteer! You will be given a tour & introduced to staff during a personal interview. Training for volunteers & linkage to appropriate volunteer responsibilities will be provided.

Our Family Is Here For Yours.

Our mission is to celebrate one’s life and help families navigate the journey of loss with a sense of hope. One of the most painful events we experience in life is the loss of a loved one. We believe that finding an appropriate and meaningful way to celebrate your loved one’s life while giving thanks to God for their life is the necessary foundation to healing. - Stephen Anderson

218 W. Hurlbut Ave. Belvidere 815-544-2616 www.AndersonFCS.com

Whether you call it a funeral service, memorial service, or commemoration service. Whether you choose burial or cremation, whether your budget is large or small. Whether you invite friends and community, or journey simply with your closest family members. We will help you design a unique and special ceremony.

Comfort

Page 10

First in

You and your family are our top priority. As the region’s first hospice provider, no one has more experience putting you first.

northernillinoishospice.org

SHADLEY APARTMENTS 1151 NETTIE STREET, BELVIDERE • MANAGED BY LUDWIG AND COMPANY •

SECTION 8 AFFORDABLE HOUSING These conveniently located and newly rehabbed, one bedroom apartments in Belvidere are specially designed for seniors and people with disabilities. Shadley Apartments is customized to facilitate independent living in a fully equipped apartment among friends and neighbors who share similar interests.

Please contact Kelly Sumwalt (815) 547-5255 Property Manager for private showing.

ksumwalt@ludwigco.com fax: (815) 544-9568 • For Youth Development • For Healthy Living • For Social Responsibility

815-547-5307

• Programs Recommended By Arthritis Foundation • Fitness Center With Trained Staff • Fitness Classes Free With Membership • 85 Degree Swimming Pool • Adult Lap & Open Times Throughout The Day • Discounted And Subsidized Memberships • Silver Sneakers And Silver & Fit Accepted

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

BELVIDERE CEMETERY ASSOCIATION “Established 1847”

• Pre-Burial Arrangements • Cremation Burials • Columbarium Niches

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS Letter From: Kelly Hillan, Exec. Director of The Keen Age Center

discuss the best care options for you or your loved one.

YMCA

BOONE COUNTY

New Programs At The Keen Age Center

Call us at 815.398.0500 to

Belvidere Family

April 7, 2022

• Memorial Markers • Affordable Prices • Park-like Setting

Frank Lloyd Wright Pettit Memorial Chapel On Cemetery Grounds 1121 N. Main, Belvidere • 815-547-7642 belviderecemetery@comcast.net

I am pleased to see people are returning to the Keen Age Center to participate in the activities we offer. Attendance is up & our parking lot is filling up with cars. The Ida Public Library’s Bookmobile has also started making stops in our parking lot.

Increasing access to information, mobile libraries date back to the early 1900s, as an effective way to meet the needs of people where they are. On Wednesday, April 6, libraries across the country celebrated National Library Outreach Day, a time to remind the public about the vital role that libraries continue to play in bringing library services to those in need. The Ida Public Library Bookmobile is at the Keen Age Center on Wednesdays, 10-11:30 AM. On my recent visit to the Bookmobile, I had the opportunity to meet Tracy Rognstad, Bookmobile Driver/ Specialist. She shared with me the variety of books, including large print & videos that are offered. I was interested to learn of the increased access to resources that is afforded through the free Hoopla app that can be found at hoopladigital.com. Hoopla is a groundbreaking digital media service offered by your local public library that allows you to borrow movies, music, audiobooks, ebooks, comics & TV shows to enjoy on your computer, tablet, or phone, & even your TV! Titles can be streamed immediately or downloaded to phones or tablets for offline enjoyment later. They have hundreds of thousands of titles to choose from, with more being added daily.

Being a family caregiver for someone with dementia or other chronic disease is stressful. We are pleased to introduce the Stress-Busting Program for Family CaregiversTM. The program is an evidence-based curriculum that provides support to family caregivers of persons with dementia or a chronic illness. It is designed to help caregivers manage their stress & cope better with their lives. In the Stress-Busting Program for Family CaregiversTM, caregivers will: • Learn about stress & its effects • Practice stress management techniques • Develop problem solving skills Our Program & Volunteer Coordinator, Cecilia Hernandez, along with Meghan Wilinski, Senior Community Liaison with ProMedica Hospice, will be leading the nine-week series held on Thursdays, beginning on May 12, at 9 AM at the Keen Age Center. If you are a caregiver & are interested in learning ways to reduce your stress, contact Cecilia at 779-552-7251 for more information.

Hoping you’re enjoying the first blooms of Spring, Kelly

Learn More About Parkinson’s Disease

When a famous individual announces a Parkinson’s diagnosis, like singer-songwriter Neil Diamond did in 2018, there’s an immediate uptick in interest in the disease. That can be turned into a positive, but it’s important that people recognize how Parkinson’s affects individuals every day, regardless of their social status.

What is Parkinson’s disease? Parkinson’s disease, also called PD, is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominately dopamine-producing (dopaminergic) neurons in a specific area of the brain known as the substantia nigra, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Those neurons weaken & die over time. In the simplest of terms, PD is a nervous system disorder that eventually affects movement & sometimes behavior.

Who does PD affect? The National Institute on Aging says that anyone can develop PD, but the disease affects about 50% more men than women. Most people develop symptoms around age 60, making age a risk factor for PD. However, roughly 5-10% of individuals with PD have “early-onset,” which begins before the age of 50. There may be environmental causes behind PD. Studies have shown a correlation between exposure to chemicals used in pesticides & herbicides, as well as metals & organic pollutants & development of Parkinson’s. Repeated blows to the head can increase the risk of developing PD as well.

Symptoms tend to develop gradually before progressing. Many people can live comfortably with PD for some time before it affects their daily lives. Common symptoms of PD include: • Shaking or tremor • Rigid muscles • Difficulty walking/Unsteady balance • Poor posture • Bradykinesia (slowness of movements) • Lack of facial movement As the disease progresses, these symptoms may occur: • Slurred or soft speech • Trouble chewing & swallowing • Memory loss • Emotional changes • Decreased ability to smell • Restless legs • Urinary problems • Sleep disruptions Diagnosing PD There are no medical tests to definitively detect the disease. Doctors use a series of markers to determine if PD may be present. The National Institute on Aging says diagnosis is usually based on gait issues, reduced swinging of the arms, lack of facial expression, & tremors, among others. There is no cure for PD, but medications & therapy can help control symptoms. Carbidopa-levodopa is a medication that passes into the brain & is converted to dopamine to help reduce the effects of low brain dopamine concentrations in PD. Parkinson’s affects millions of people. Early diagnosis & treatment can help reduce symptoms & prolong comfort.

Specializing In Short & Long Term Care Quality Healthcare Provided By A Professional Staff In addition to the highest quality care, we also strive to maintain the highest quality of life.

MapleCrest

4452 Squaw Prairie Road, Belvidere, IL 61008 tel: 815.547.6377 • fax: 815.547.3857 symphonymc.com

For A Private Tour Call Our Admissions Department Today

Rehabilitation Services Our rehab services extend far beyond the physical - it is about serving every aspect of an individual with care, kindness & respect.

Our goal is to provide the necessary approach to facilitate a complete return to health & successful return to home.

Serving Boone County Over 40 Years!

Nor thwoods

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