Boone County Shopper Senior Living August 2021

August 12, 2021

Mike

August

Home caregiver for son, Brian

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

The Health Benefits Of Eating Apples The phrase, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” is a familiar one that many people first heard as children.

But some may be surprised to learn the phrase is as factual as it is familiar. Apples are among the most cultivated & consumed foods in the world. They’re also among the healthiest. Medical News Today, a market leader for medical news that is owned & operated by the United Kingdom-based healthcare publisher Healthline Media, listed apples among its 10 healthiest foods. Apples provide an array of health benefits, lending credence to the notion that consuming one per day might just keep the doctor away.

• Apples may reduce risk for stroke. Apples are rich in antioxidants, including quercetin, which researchers have determined can help people lower their risk for thrombotic stroke. In that study, which was published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2000, researchers studied more than 9,200 men & women over a 28year period. Those who ate the most apples during that time had a lower risk for thrombotic stroke, a type of stroke that occurs when a blood clot forms in an artery that supplies blood to the brain. Such blood clots block the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain, producing long-term brain damage.

• Apples lower levels of bad cholesterol. “Bad cholesterol” refers to low-density lipoprotein, or LDL. LDL is considered bad because high levels of it lead to a buildup of cholesterol in the arteries, raising a person’s risk for coronary artery disease. In 2011 researchers at Florida State University found that older women who consume apples every day had reduced their LDL levels by 23% in six months & even increased their “good” cholesterol levels by 4%. Good cholesterol, also known as HDL, has been found to prevent arterial disease.

• Apples can help people maintain healthy weights. The flavonoid polymers found in apples inhibit enzymes that break down simple sugars. What does that mean for you? That means that the flavonoid polymers in apples help you flush more of the sugar in apples out of your system instead of storing it as fat. That can help people maintain healthy weights. Fuji apples have the highest concentration of flavonoids, so people who want this particular benefit of apples may be best picking up these types from their local farmers’ market.

• Apples can lower risk for diabetes. A recent cohort study published in BMJ (formerly the British Medical Journal) that involved the United Kingdom, the U.S. & Singapore found that consuming three servings per week of blueberries, grapes, raisins, apples, or pears reduced participants’ risk for type 2 diabetes by 7%.

An apple a day could very well keep the doctor away, paving the way to a long, healthy life.

A Fall Tradition!

Opening Friday, August 27th

Page 7

Open 7 days a week 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

7061 Centerville Rd. Poplar Grove, IL 815-765-2234

Ida Public Library Summer Program Events SINGALONG WITH DAN on August 23rd at 7 PM. The library will be hosting a singalong with local folk singer, Dan Holmes in the library lot, 320 N. State St., Belvidere. Bring your own lawn chair & your best singing voice to this all ages concert. Social distancing guidelines will be followed. Feel free to bring a blank or chair to sit on.

GRAB & GO CRAFTING - August 11th & 25th, 6 PM. Craft with the library from the comfort of your home! Stop by & pick up your craft kit, then complete the project by following the tutorial posted on facebook@idalibrary.

Craft kits are available while supplies last at the Youth Services desk, 320 N. State St., Belvidere

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

FURNITURE

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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August 12, 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

Brush Up On How To Care For Your Teeth Information Provided by Dr. Chapko & Shah Modern Dentistry sited article from June 17, 2021 Washington Post

Beyond its psychological toll, the coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on our bodies: Many people have put on pounds, broken their toes, - and, according to dentists, damaged their teeth.

As more Americans return to dental offices, practitioners say they’re seeing a significant rise in tooth-grinding and jaw-clenching, probably brought on by pandemic-related stress & anxiety. They’re also seeing an increase in cavities & gum disease that may be due to a combination of lapsed appointments, pandemic eating & drinking habits, & less-than-stellar brushing & flossing.

In a February survey conducted by the American Dental Association, 76% of general practice dentists said the prevalence of teeth-grinding, or bruxism, among their patients had increased compared with pre-pandemic times.

About two-thirds reported seeing a rise in associated problems of chipped & cracked teeth as well as headache & jaw pain symptoms, the survey found. Meanwhile, about 30% of respondents said they observed more tooth decay & periodontal disease, an infection of the tissues surrounding teeth, in their patients.

Reconsider your diet - Dentists have long urged people to avoid consuming too many refined carbohydrates & sugars. But that’s been a challenge during the pandemic, said Tien Jiang, an instructor in the Department of Oral Health Policy & Epidemiology at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, who noted that working from home has led to an increase in snacking. The reason snacking can lead to cavities is that your mouth contains bacteria that feed off food & release acid. This lowers the pH in your mouth & can cause enamel demineralization, a precursor to cavities. If you do have a snack, rinsing your mouth with water after or chewing sugarless gum, which can help stimulate saliva flow.

Find the right tools - Oral care is highly individualized, so choose toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss & rinses that you’ll consistently use, dentists say, as long as you’re using them as recommended. If you’re more prone to cavities, toothpaste & mouth rinses that contain fluoride may be better. Mouthguards to protect your teeth against grinding or clenching should ideally be custom-made by a dental professional, experts said. Over-thecounter mouthguards can vary in softness & might encourage wearers to grind even more. Additionally, people’s teeth have unique points of contact, which generic guards don’t take into account.

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 • 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

Brush and floss properly - Brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day, or after you’ve eaten. Brush in a circular motion & be careful not to use too much pressure. Aggressive brushing using improper technique can create notches in your teeth, potentially making them more sensitive, or lead to gum recession. Be gentle but diligent, & time is more important than the intensity. But whether you prefer a manual or electric toothbrush, make sure it has a soft bristle head, & replace it when you notice the bristles are splayed or falling out.

Remember to brush your tongue, experts said. Tongues have little crevices all along them, so it’s so easy for bacteria to just sit there & accumulate. In addition to bad breath, not cleaning your tongue might also lead to persistent dental health problems.

It’s equally important to floss at least once a day, especially at night before bed, & to use the proper technique.

Shimmy it between the teeth, allow it to float very gently beneath the gum line on both sides of that tooth & the tooth next to it.”

Go back to the dentist - If you’re fully vaccinated, there’s no reason not to go back to the dentist. But even if you haven’t gotten the shots or you’re worried about unvaccinated people in your household, dentists say it’s essential to get back on track with appointments and safe to do so.

Save The Date For These Events 49th Annual Fly-In at Poplar Grove Airport, 11619 Rt. 76, Poplar Grove on Sunday, August 22nd. Enjoy free admission to the Poplar Grove Wings & Wheels Museum, see the “JENNY” project and vintage tractor pull. Food trucks available throughout the day. Get your tickets for Belvidere Rotary Club Bomber Bingo held at 2 PM. Take an airplane ride for $30 per person 9 AM - 1 PM weather permitting. A shuttle to/from the museum is offered from 10 AM - 2 PM.

ST

Belvidere,

IL

REET PUB

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

Symphony Maple Crest Car Show Saturday, August 28th from 11 AM - 2 PM. Enjoy the car show, food & music with DJ Joe Locke. Try your luck at the 50/50 raffle. 3 Best Of Show Awards will be presented at the Car Show. The event is free and open to the public located at 4452 Squaw Prairie Road, Belvidere.

• 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

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August 12, 2021

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

Small Towns Are The Best!

Article by: Maria Pearson, Director of marketing, Heritage Woods of Belvidere

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

As I write this, I can hear the John Cougar Song “Small Town” in my head, so let me start you on that same path.

Small towns are the best & Boone County, Illinois is an amazing place to live. With so much to offer in this region of Northern Illinois, almost too good to be true, our small-town values & community pride paired with amazing schools, industry, beautiful parks, a growing community, rich in history & the arts.

Interesting fact, Heritage Woods is the only Assisted Lifestyle community in Boone County. It is also a pleasant surprise to learn about the Supportive Lifestyle & Apartment Living the residents of our community enjoy. Often people are unaware of what Supportive Living is & what that looks like.

You’ve no doubt been at local events & shops with our residents. At Heritage Woods we are members of this community. We live here, shop here, vote here, thrive here.

There are many reasons that a person or their families look for Supportive Living as the next step. Whatever the reason that first prompts that inquiry, one thing is certain, they want to only be in Boone County.

As a resident of Boone County, I understand that desire. We are a wonderful community to live in & many of our residents have lived & worked here all their lives. Some have left & made other states or towns their temporary home, but this is where they want to settle back in to be closer to their families.

It is not uncommon for a new resident to realize the neighbor they had lived on the same street with for years lives here, or a fellow church member, someone they worked with or had kids that went to school together. It can truly be a small world.

As Communities grow & the world gets smaller through social media & other tech advances, the rural small town is all that more important to me & to so many of you. With a strong bond in community, it is no wonder so many want to stay here in Boone County as they make the transition to Supportive Living.

If you have never visited Heritage Woods, I personally invite you to come see for yourself what a Supportive Living Community is all about.

This Month’s Healthy Recipe Cantaloupe Smoothie Ingredients 1 cup cantaloupe chunks Directions 1.

2.

3.

4.

Recipe Provided By The U of I Extension Office

1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt

Wash hands with soap & water.

Add cantaloupe & yogurt to a blender.

Puree until smooth.

Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving Calories 130 Total Fat 1.5 g Sodium 95 mg Carbohydrates 23 g Dietary Fiber 1 g Protein 7 g

Five Reasons To Get An Air Fryer

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

Air fryers have emerged as must-have items in recent years. Air fryers flew off the shelves during the 2020 holiday season, & that popularity hasn’t waned in the ensuing months. Air fryers are touted as handy tools for a variety of reasons, including that they can cook foods quickly & with relatively little to no use of oil.

While there are scores of air fryers on the market offering various features, each utilizes a similar technology. Air fryers work by circulating very hot air around foods coated with just a small amount of oil (& some recipes add no oil at all) to crisp them. Air fryers can be used to prepare both fresh & frozen foods. Some also have features that go beyond air frying, serving as souped-up toaster ovens & broilers. The following are five reasons why you may want to purchase an air fryer in the near future.

1. Affordability: Air fryers are very affordable, especially when considering their versatility. Many air fryers can be had for around $100 or less.

2. Create healthier foods: Since air fryers rely on little or no oil, fat content in the cooking process drops considerably. That makes air frying a heart-healthy option.

3. Cook foods faster: Air fryers reach high cooking temperatures in just minutes, compared to 10-15 minutes for traditional ovens. Air fryers can shave several minutes off of cooking times, which appeals to busy home cooks.

4. Good for tight kitchens: Small kitchens may benefit from air fryers that boast combination cooking features.

That means they can use one appliance for all of their meals, saving overcrowded counter space.

5. Great for small meals: Air fryers cannot cook large batches, which makes them ideal for singletons or empty nesters who do not want to make large quantities of food.

Air fryers can be a lifestyle choice & an investment in faster, healthier cooking.

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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August 12, 2021

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU!

Keen Age Center

Info & Assistance

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

Vital Connections To Help Older Adults Age Well Letter From: Kelly Hillan, Exec. Director of The Keen Age Center

Lending Closet

In-Home Care

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

Dear Friends, Today’s senior centers are delivering vital connections to help all older adults age well. Our community’s senior center, Keen Age Center, offers a vibrant, action-packed combination of fitness, recreation, meals, health & wellness along with an opportunity for neighbors to become friends.

September is National Senior Center Month, & Keen Age Center is planning on celebrating these shared experiences that deliver vital connections to aging well for older adults. From Bingo & Bridge to Karaoke & Yoga, Keen Age Center is a community link where seniors find friendship, meaning & purpose.

Betty Friedan said, “Aging is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity & strength.” Our members want the chance to continue to connect & are finding this opportunity every day at Keen Age Center. Continuing to connect through recreational activities & staying socially engaged can provide the following advantages: • Improved physical well-being & emotional health • Staying mentally sharp • Lower levels of stress, anxiety & depression • Better physical health • Increased longevity Who would have thought Keen Age Center could be so good for you? Unless you are involved at the Center, there may be a lot you do not know about us. Are you aware that you can stop in to use a computer, or that reflexology & exercise classes are offered at Keen Age Center? You may not know that we have a billiard room where people enjoy playing pool. If crafts are your thing, there are a variety of options available to suit your specific interests. There is a lovely quilt on display in our entry way that showcases some of the beautiful work that is done. These are just a sampling of what we have to offer.

Senior Center Month emphasizes the tremendous potential that senior centers deliver in their communities, including programming that empowers older adults to holistically age well & strengthen mind, body, spirit, & community connections. Come check out Keen Age Center at 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere - we’re on a mission to help you stay connected! - Kelly

Nursing Home Care & The “Look-Back Period” AS IF HIS LIFE DEPENDS ON IT ...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

Health care plans provide access to medical care & other necessities & reduce out-of-pocket health-related expenses. Each plan is different, & depending on where you live, your coverage may vary. People quickly find that many healthcare plans do not include provisions for long-term health care, such as paying for nursing facilities. Understanding how health plans work & learning about potential financial reviews for nursing home payment qualification is a good idea for anyone concerned about financing their future health care needs.

Health care basics - In the United States, health care is largely privately managed, with most employers offering access to various health coverage plans. Government subsidized plans include Medicare, which is for retirementage individuals & younger people with disabilities. Medicaid is a joint state- and federally-run government program that provides health coverage to low-income individuals and families.

Health insurance does not pay for nursing home care in most cases. In the United States, unless an individual meets low-income criteria, nursing home care is paid for by the resident; otherwise, people who qualify for Medicaid can have their nursing home expenditures paid for by that program. To receive Medicaid assistance, applicants should expect a financial review, including a look-back period.

What is the look-back period? The senior health, finance & lifestyle resource Senior Living advises that Medicaid is a “last resort” method of financing nursing home costs. Individuals are expected to use other means of payment first & “spend down” their assets. When financial resources dwindle, Medicaid will kick in to provide coverage. To ensure that individuals simply do not transfer money out of their accounts to avoid paying for nursing home care by their own means, Medicaid requires a look-back period into applicants’ finances to determine if there were any violations to rules regarding asset transfers.

Most people engage in some sort of long-term planning to protect a portion of their assets so that they can be used to support spouses or children. According to rules, an applicant is permitted to transfer certain monies to his or her spouse, provided the spouse isn’t also applying for long-term care through Medicaid. Most money & tangible asset transfers (check with your state Medicaid office for the most current rules) must have taken place 60 months (5 years) prior to application for Medicaid. Penalties will be instituted when rules are broken, namely gifts or asset transfers that take place within the look-back period. This could delay Medicaid acceptance.

Paying for long-term care can be complicated with look-back periods & required spend-downs. It is in a person’s best interest to seek the guidance of a financial planner who specializes in elder care to navigate these finances.

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