Boone County Shopper Senior Living April 2021

April 8, 2021

Mike

April

Page 7

Home caregiver for son, Brian

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

Meaningful, Fun Ways To Celebrate Earth Day Earth Day is a celebration of the planet that people, plants & animals call home.

First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day was established to demonstrate support for environmental protection, & events are held each year on April 22. It is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network & celebrated in more than 193 countries.

People may wonder what they can do at a local level to make Earth Day a larger part of their lives. Here are just a few great ways to embrace Earth Day. • Make it a point to bike or walk to school or work. If conditions are prohibitive, carpool to cut down on traffic.

The fewer cars on the road, the less emissions in the air.

• Recycle e-waste in your home. E-waste is considered outdated electronic appliances that are no longer used.

The Environmental Protection Agency suggests e-waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the world.

• Invest in a reusable coffee cup or water bottle. This can reduce the amount of trash that ultimately ends up in the environment.

• Connect with nature by turning off electronics for the day & getting outside. Head to any of the parks in the Belvidere Park system or any of the nature preserves in the Boone County Conservation District & immerse yourself in the great outdoors.

• Do something as simple as switching paper statements and bills to e-bills & online invoices. This reduces reliance on trees for new sources of paper.

• Start a home garden or grow some herbs on a windowsill. This is a fun, eco-friendly way to control the foods you consume at home & a great way to save money as well.

• Reusing & recycling does not just pertain to water bottles & aluminum cans. Find out ways to repurpose or share items with others so they get more mileage.

• Volunteer your time at an organization that has an environmental focus. Or suggest a task with an eco-friendly slant, like picking up trash, to a local community group or club.

Earth Day is a great opportunity to get involved with environmental efforts.

Rivers Edge Recreation Center • Pickleball: The Rivers Edge Recreation center offers indoor open pickleball Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Daily fee is $3 or you can purchase a pickleball pass that is good for one year from the date of purchase. Masks must be worn. For more information call 815-547-9557 or visit 1151 W. Locust Street, Belvidere.

• Outdoor Bocce Courts: Bocce, an Italian game, is similar to lawn bowling but played on a shorter, narrower surface. Rivers Edge has two outdoor Bocce courts located at 1151 W. Locust St., Belvidere. Both courts are ADA accessible. If you don’t have your own, Bocce sets are available to rent for $5 at the Center. Please call ahead for availability at 815-5479557.

We don’t rent rooms, we enrich lives!

“So thankful I found Crimson Pointe.

The staff is very caring and kind.

The maintenance director put dad’s scooter together and Physical Therapy is helping dad. Thank you for caring for my dad, I have peace of mind.”

supporting

First in

you at home

Caring for a loved one at home can be one of the hardest roles you’ll face in life — especially now.

Northern Illinois Hospice is here for you with the expert support you and your loved one need, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Visit northernillinoishospice.org or call us at 815.398.0500 © Northern Illinois Hospice 2020

Belvidere Family

YMCA

• 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

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

Power Recliner By We Also Carry Lift Chairs By Ultra Comfort & Best Craft

815.398.7792 lifeatcrimsonpointe.com FURNITURE

7130 Crimson Ridge Dr. Rockford, IL 61107

315 S. State St. • Belvidere • 815-547-6672 HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 9-5; Fri. 9-7; Sat. 9-4; Closed Sun.

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April 8, 2021

BOONE COUNTY

Inside O’Brien’s Pharmacy

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

The UPS Store® Print • Pack • Ship • Shred • Mailboxes

DISPILL Medication Packaging System

“Vaxes & Taxes”

To Prevent Your Loved One From Missing Medications Or Taking Too Much. Filled Directly

By Our Pharmacist, So There Are No Mistakes.

Letter From: Kelly Hillan, Exec. Director of The Keen Age Center

Dear Friends, Our focus over the last couple of months has been on what I jokingly refer to as “Vaxes & Taxes.” We have partnered with the Boone County Health Dept. to help literally 1000s of area Seniors receive their COVID-19 vaccinations. The AARP Foundation Tax Aid Program has also been making good use of the Keen Age Center assisting with tax preparation. It has been a pleasure to have people back in our building. We are looking forward to wrapping up “Vaxes & Taxes” by the middle of April. We are planning to return to the activity level previously provided in the Fall. We are hopeful that as mitigations are reduced through the Bridge Phase & into Phase V of the State’s reopening plan, we will steadily begin to have more & more people return to the Keen Age Center.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the numerous volunteers that have assisted us with “Vaxes & Taxes.”

Boone County Council on Aging (BCCA) is fortunate to have a marvelous group of dedicated staff & when partnered with the wonderful volunteers & board members that have assisted us in recent days, we have been able to accomplish much. I wish I could go into detail about all the wonderful moments & kindnesses that have been shown over the last months. The community has shown such generosity from folks that just want to help in whatever ways they can, & I hope each knows how much they are appreciated.

Special thanks need to go to two volunteers that have provided much leadership to these two efforts. Phil Grover has been guiding the AARP Tax Aid Program for the last three years & he & his fellow volunteer tax preparers really rose to the occasion when we were not certain how we would be able to meet people’s needs amidst the restrictions due to the pandemic. Phil persevered & was determined to make sure this crucial need was met for our participants.

Additionally, Darrel Davis, BCCA’s Board President worked tirelessly to help us at every vaccination clinic. You may have run into him helping people find their way through the clinics, making sure the flow of traffic both inside & outside went as smooth as possible, delivering wheelchairs & walkers to the various clinic sites. Darrel & his wife Kay could have helped you schedule your appointment for the vaccine & then the next day came in to help us enter data for our reporting requirements & a few days later greeted you at a clinic.

The displays of kindness from such generous volunteer assistance & support continues to foster my sense of optimism that brighter days are ahead.

Hoping to see you at the Keen Age Center one day soon, Kelly

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 • Diabetic Shoes & Medicaid/Medicare HOME HEALTH CARE DEPT. Support Stockings Braces/Splints Lift Chairs Bath Benches Wheelchairs Walkers Crutches & Canes Commodes Hospital Beds

WHO NEEDS A DRIVE-THRU WHEN WE DELIVER! Delivery Available 6 Days A Week Mon.-Sat.

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

Tips For Staying Connected SOCIALIZE • Stay in touch with friends & loved ones, or even reconnect with people you haven’t seen in years, through social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

• Check out video call platforms: Skype, FaceTime, & Google Hangouts, so you can see faces while talking.

EXPLORE • Browse more than 2,500 free courses available on edX. With subjects ranging from computer science to arts & humanities to foreign languages, there’s something for everyone.

• Explore zoos & aquariums across the country, including Smithsonian’s National Zoo, through virtual behind the scenes tours & lessons. Many have live webcams so you can watch the animals any time.

• Enjoy artwork from around the world. Thousands of museums & galleries have partnered with Google Arts & Culture to display their collections through virtual tours.

• Tour one of the many national parks offering digital tours & experiences that you can access anytime.

• Learn from the pros. MasterClass Live is currently offering one free streaming class per week.

UNWIND • Check your library’s free e-books & audio books you can borrow without leaving home. Consider joining a virtual book club to connect with others enjoying the same book.

• Host dinner or game night with friends via video chat. Good Housekeeping has 10 game ideas to get you started.

• Catch free theater or opera performances online. The New York Metropolitan Opera is streaming a different encore performance from their Live in HD series every day.

CONNECT • The Eldercare Locator, a public service of ACL, is a nationwide service that connects older adults & their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Whether you are looking for help with services like meals & home care, or want to learn more about caregiver education & respite, the Eldercare Locator can help.

WANT SOMETHING LOWER TECH? • Watch a TV show or movie while talking to a friend on the phone. Many streaming services are offering free trials or certain shows & movies at no charge.

• Write a letter to a friend & share your favorite memories of them. Ask them to write back & share theirs.

• Keep up to date & stay connected to neighbors by reading newspapers & community bulletins.

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

ST

Belvidere,

IL

REET PUB

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

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

815-544-5144 CHAPKOANDSHAH.COM

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April 8, 2021

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

How To Garden From A Wheelchair 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

Gardening is a wonderful activity that people from all walks of life enjoy. A garden full of fresh fruits & vegetables and/or beautiful blooms can instill a sense of pride in gardeners & turn backyards into colorful, peaceful respites.

Anyone with the will to do so can plant their own garden, & that includes people who are confined to wheelchairs.

Gardening from a wheelchair may present some unique challenges, but such obstacles are no reason for wheelchair-bound gardening enthusiasts to steer clear of this rewarding activity. In recognition of the challenges of gardening from a wheelchair, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation offers the following tips to wheelchairbound gardening enthusiasts.

• Match the garden to your abilities. The Reeve Foundation notes that trying to push beyond your limits can affect how much you enjoy gardening. Address issues that may impair your function in the garden, such as accessibility. For example, if the garden is far away from the structure of your home, you may feel exhausted by the time you get to the garden, which can affect your productivity & progress. Prior to starting a garden, consider the potential that such issues may arise & try to build a garden that makes it easy to overcome them.

• Consider raised beds. The Reeve Foundation highly recommends raised beds for anyone gardening from a wheelchair. When designing such beds, make sure they’re narrow so they can be conveniently accessed from your wheelchair.

• Consider hanging baskets. Hanging baskets can provide aesthetic appeal inside & outside of a home, & such baskets can be accessed with a pulley system that makes it easy for gardeners to prune & water plants.

• Use specialized tools. The online medical resource Verywell Health notes that various manufacturers have recognized there’s a market for adaptive gardening tools. Such tools make it easier for people in wheelchairs to indulge their passion for planting. Adaptive tools like trowels, cultivators & hoes can make it easier for gardeners to perform all the standard gardening tasks. Ergonomic adaptive gardening tools can help gardeners avoid the joint pain that can arise from using more traditional, non-ergonomic tools.

• Make it a team effort. Gardening with a loved one can make it more enjoyable. Seniors can garden alongside their grandchildren and/or friends who also have mobility issues, ensuring no one gets too tired or falls behind.

Anyone can enjoy gardening, & that includes people in wheelchairs.

Ida Public Library Programs IDA’S GARDEN CLUB - Tune in each month as resident Master Gardener, Sandie, shares spring planting tips & pointers. Learn what to plant in our climate, how to grow plants from seeds, & other gardening tidbits. Takeaways and/or kits may be included depending on the topic. Tuesdays at 10 AM, April 20th & May 18th.

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION - Thursday, April 22nd at 10 AM. Earth Day is a day to stop & think about our environment & how we can improve it. Even small things like turning off lights, buying reusable bags, or planting something can help heal our Earth. Join Sandie & Mindy for a very special Earth Day craft.

For information about these programs call 815-544-3838 or visit idapubliclibrary.org. The library is located in downtown Belvidere at 320 N. State Street.

Compost Is Part Of The Circle Of Life In Gardens

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

The season for fresh fruits & vegetables grown right in the backyard is upon us. Warm weather breathes life into fresh berries, tomatoes, eggplant, cucumbers, & many other delectable fruits & vegetables.

The bounty of the garden can be made more abundant & fruitful with the addition of the right soil amendments.

Compost is a key element of rich, nutritious soil. Scraps from items that have been grown in the garden can then be reused in the production of the compost that feeds that same garden. It’s a continuous circle of garden life.

Getting started with compost is relatively easy. Homeowners should choose an outdoor space near the garden but far away from the home so that it won’t be disturbed by kids or animals. Some people opt for an open compost pile, while others choose closed bins to contain the possible smell & to camouflage the compost. A sunny spot will help the compost to develop faster, according to Good Housekeeping.

The next step is to start gathering the scraps & materials that go into the compost. Keep a bucket or bin in the kitchen to accumulate kitchen scraps. Here are some kitchen-related items that can go into the compost material: • Eggshells • Fruit peels • Vegetable peels & scraps • Coffee grounds • Shredded newspaper In addition to these materials, grass & plant clippings, dry leaves, bark chips, straw, & sawdust from untreated wood can go into the pile. Avoid diseased plants, anything with animal fats, dairy products, & pet feces.

A low-maintenance pile has an equal amount of brown & green plant matter in the compost plus moisture to keep the bacteria growing & eating at the right rate. Aerating the compost occasionally, or turning the bin when possible, will allow the compost to blend & work together. Compost will take a few months to form completely.

The finished product will resemble a dark, crumbly soil that smells like fresh earth.

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.

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April 8, 2021

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU! The Keen Age Center offers a variety of educational & recreational programs Transportation: Rides provided in Boone County for all ages.

Vans are equipped with wheelchair lifts.

Information & Assistance: We help seniors with a variety of programs include Benefit Access, LiHEAP, prescription drug programs, Medicare & Medicaid.

Community Care Program: Help at home services for eligible senior citizens.

Lending Closet: We have a lending closet if you need small medical equipment.

Boone County Council On Aging 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere

815-544-9893 • www.keenage.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

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

Latest Treatments For Parkinson’s Disease Researchers still have much to learn about Parkinson’s disease. As researchers continue to work hard in the fight against this disease, the lessons they learn may lead to new, innovative treatments.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder. Even though the disease itself is not fatal, PD is a serious condition - one which the CDC rates as the 14th most common cause of death in the U.S. due to the disease’s related complications. PD symptoms affect autonomous functions & the ability to move limbs. Most people with PD may show little or no expression, speech may become slurred, arms may not swing when one walks, and stiffness & gait issues may become apparent. PD can affect balance and posture as well.

There is no cure for PD, but there are many different treatments that can slow its progress & reduce symptoms.

WebMD says new treatments give individuals continued hope. Here’s a look at some of the potential options.

• Stem cell usage: Stem cells can turn into any type of cell, & there is hope that they can transform into the dopamine-producing neurons used to treat PD. But there is increased risk of involuntary movement from too much dopamine with this treatment. Stem cell therapy also may present ethical & moral issues with some patients.

• Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor treatment: Researchers at the Univ. of Bristol have used robotassisted neurosurgery to implant a special delivery system that releases a new drug called glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor into the brain cells of Parkinson’s patients. The researchers found that, after 18 mo. of treatment, all participants showed “moderate to large improvements in symptoms compared to before they started the study.”

• PTB protein therapy: Senior researcher Xiang-Dong Fu, a professor at the Univ. of California, San Diego, studies a protein known as PTB, which influences which genes in a cell are turned on or off. It also tells the genes within a cell whether they should become neurons or not. Fu found that silencing PTB might produce new neurons in a diseased brain.

• Drug treatments: Researchers are investigating drugs that block the action of glutamate, an amino acid that destroys nerve cells, in addition to the role coenzyme Q-10 may play in slowing the progression of PD. Parkinson’s disease affects millions of people & may gradually steal movement & expression from a person’s life. New treatment possibilities are continually being explored to improve quality of life & slow down the disease.

This Month’s Healthy Recipe Provided By The U of I Extension Office Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

AS IF HIS LIFE DEPENDS ON IT

Directions 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

...because it did.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

815-965-8751 rrvbc.org

BELVIDERE CEMETERY ASSOCIATION “Established 1847”

• Pre-Burial Arrangements • Cremation Burials • Columbarium Niches

• 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

Ingredients 1 cup pasta, such as macaroni or rotini, uncooked 2 cans (6 ounces ea.) tuna in water 2 cups zucchini, chopped 1/2 cup carrots, sliced

1/3 cup red onion, diced 1/4 cup low-fat mayonnaise or plain yogurt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Nutrition Facts 8 Servings - Per Serving Calories 100 Total Fat 1 g Sodium 170 mg Carbohydrates 13 g Dietary Fiber 1 g Protein 11 g

Wash hands with soap & water.

Gently rub produce under cold running water before preparing ingredients. Scrub carrots w/vegetable brush or towel under running water.

Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Let cool before step 5.

Drain water from tuna & rinse in a colander. Add tuna to medium mixing bowl Add cooked & cooled macaroni, zucchini, carrots & red onion to tuna.

Stir in mayonnaise & black pepper. Chill until ready to serve.

6 Things Dog Owners Should Know About Lyme Disease Lyme disease is one of the most common tick-transmitted diseases in the world. Lyme disease primarily affects people, but dogs also are at risk. Pet parents should learn the ways tick bites can affect their furry companions.

1. Lyme disease causes symptoms in 5-10% of affected dogs. Many dogs have it but never show symptoms.

2. Dogs with Lyme disease can experience various symptoms, including joint swelling & pain, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, & kidney problems. Dogs may not exhibit symptoms for weeks or months after being bitten.

3. Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms. An antibody test can identify the presence of the disease, but only if the dog has produced antibodies. Testing is recommended no sooner than four weeks after a tick bite.

4. Lyme disease is a year-round threat. Ticks do not die in the winter. Rather, they hide out & wait for the first warm day to arrive to move around. It’s important to keep up with tick-control treatments no matter the month.

5. Most tick control remedies do not actually repel ticks, they just kill the tick shortly after the tick has bitten.

That’s good news since there is a greater chance of bacteria being transmitted the longer the tick is attached.

6. Ticks latch on to dogs in areas where blood vessels are closest to the surface of the skin. This includes the head, neck & ears. However, since adult ticks are quite big, dogs will attempt to bite them off if they are seen.

Ticks tend to hide in places like inside the ears, between the toes & around the neck.

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