Boone County Shopper Senior Living September 2021

September 30, 2021

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September

It Is Your Journey.

We Adapt To You!

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING

Time to Live Well

A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

Staying Active Is The Key To Healthy Aging In order to feel your best, staying active is key. September is Healthy Aging Month - a great time to start doing something new. Even small changes can improve your health. One small change you can make is to add some activity to your daily life.

What’s the best way to get physically active now? For most people walking is one of the easiest activities to do. Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week, but you don’t have to do all 30 minutes at once. Try walking 15 minutes twice each day or 10 minutes 3 times a day.

People who have started being physically active later in life say that exercising with a partner is motivation to stick with it. Some suggest starting or joining a walking group with friends or neighbors. Others suggest getting a dog that needs to be walked.

Will starting now really make a difference? Yes! Physical activity is good for people at any age. Among older adults, falls are a common cause of injury & disability. Physical activity makes your bones & muscles stronger. When your muscles are strong, you’re less likely to fall. If you do fall, strong bones are less likely to break. Regular physical activity is also good for your brain. Studies have shown that people who do simple exercises (for example walking briskly) on a regular basis are better able to make decisions than people who aren’t physically active.

How to get started. If you are not already active, begin slowly. Start with exercises that you are already comfortable doing. Starting slowly makes it less likely that you will injure yourself. Starting slowly also helps prevent soreness. You do not have to exercise at a high intensity to get most health benefits. As you become used to exercising, or if you are already active, you can slowly increase the intensity of your exercise program.

I’m afraid I’ll get hurt when I start. From diabetes to heart disease, many chronic (ongoing) health problems are improved by even moderate amounts of physical activity. For people who have these conditions, a lack of exercise is a bigger risk than an exercise-related injury.

Talk with your doctor about your plans before you get started. Your muscles will very likely be sore when you first increase your physical activity, but don’t consider that a reason to stop. Mild soreness will go away in a few days as you become more used to exercise.

Silver Sneakers Fitness Program At Belvidere YMCA GET FIT, HAVE FUN, MAKE FRIENDS...An innovative national exercise program specifically designed for the unique health & physical needs of older adults. This program focuses on improving strength, flexibility, balance, & coordination. You will also enjoy the great music & camaraderie of the other participants in the program.

Silver Sneaker Classes combine fun & fitness to increase your cardiovascular & muscular endurance power with a standing circuit workout. Upper body strength work using hand-held weights, elastic tubing with handles, & a ball is alternated with non-impact aerobic movements. A chair is offered for support, head to toe stretching and complete relaxation in a comfortable position. This class is designed for 65 & older.

Classes are at the Belvidere Family YMCA, 220 W. Locust St. Call 815-547-5307 for more info about becoming a member & for schedule.

(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 Preserving Boone County’s Past For Our Future.

We Are Always Looking For Donations Of Historical Artifacts For The Museum.

WWI German Binoculars From 1915 - 1918

Contact Us At 815-544-8391 or Director@bcmuseumofhistory.org The Ideal Setting For Your Next: Anniversary / Birthday Shower / Wedding Family Picnic Class Reunion & More

314 S. State St., Belvidere • bcmuseumofhistory.org

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!

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September 30, 2021

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

Signs Of Atrial Fibrillation - And How To Treat It Palpitations of the heart or uncomfortable sensations in the chest can be distressing. Thoughts of heart attack may come to mind, & that anxiety can only exacerbate the situation. While heart attack might be the first thing people think of when experiencing chest discomfort, atrial fibrillation may be to blame for such feelings.

Atrial fibrillation, also called AFib, is a quivering or irregular heartbeat that may lead to heart-related complications. The American Heart Assoc. says that at least 2.7 million Americans are living with AFib. Although treatable, without proper diagnosis, AFib may lead to blood clots, stroke & even heart failure. Many people with AFib experience no symptoms at all & are unaware they have it until it is discovered during a physical examination. For those who experience symptoms, The Mayo Clinic lists these as some of the more common: • Palpitations, which can be sensations of a flip-flopping in the chest or even a racing feeling.

• Fatigue • Reduced ability to exercise • Lightheadedness • Chest pain or shortness of breath • Dizziness & weakness When the heart is working normally, it contracts & relaxes in a beat. When a person has AFib, the upper chambers of the heart, called the atria, beat irregularly. They quiver & do not move the blood into the ventricles in an effective manner. This irregularity can cause pooling or clotting of blood. Should a clot break off & enter the bloodstream, particularly in an artery leading to the brain, stroke may occur.

A proper diagnosis from a physician is needed before treatment can begin. An examination may include an EKG or ECG, which will show the heart’s electrical activity as line tracings on paper. The spikes & dips in the tracings are called waves. An EKG will determine if the heart is pumping correctly.

AFib is more common among people with clogged arteries or diabetes & may develop following valve surgery.

AFib also is more common in people with coronary heart disease. As a person ages, his or her risk for AFib increases. Stress also can be a major factor in triggering AFib, according to StopAfib.org.

Once AFib is diagnosed, managing risk factors & restoring a heart to normal rhythm becomes the priority.

Doctors use a variety of medications to control heart rate, which may include beta blockers & calcium channel blockers. Medications to prevent stroke also may be prescribed. Surgical intervention may be necessary if medications aren’t working.

Atrial fibrillation is a serious condition that requires treatment. Episodes can be managed & treated to help people live healthier lives.

Easy Prostate Cancer Signs Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Prostate cancer is a very slow-growing cancer that is often confined to the prostate. Prostate cancer may require minimal treatment or no treatment at all, advises the Mayo Clinic. Most prostate cancers are found early due to screening, which bodes well for affected men.

When caught early - when it’s still only in the prostate gland - the likelihood of successfully treating the disease is high. Men can be their own best advocates in the fight against prostate cancer. Recognizing early symptoms of prostate cancer can give individuals an early leg up on getting help quickly. The American Cancer Society says most early prostate cancers cause no symptoms. However, other prostate cancers can cause symptoms such as: • Problems urinating, which includes slow or weak urinary stream or the need to urinate more often; • Erectile dysfunction; • Blood in the urine or semen; • Pain in the hips, spine, ribs, or other areas from cancer that has spread to bones; and/or • Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet, or even loss of bowel or bladder control from the cancer pressing on the spinal cord.

If any of these symptoms are present, a person should consult with a doctor for further screening.

Library Friendship Quilt Do you like to quilt? Have you ever made a friendship quilt? Show your love of reading by creating a square for the Ida Public Library community friendship quilt. Pick up your take home squares by the grab & go projects or create your own. The library is located at 320 N. State Street in Belvidere. Return your square by November 30th.

Yoga Classes At The Belvidere Park District

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

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

ST

Belvidere,

IL

REET PUB

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

Hatha Yoga is the ancient practice of physical well-being which promotes optimum health.

Through the use of gentle stretching & deep breathing techniques, yoga tones muscles, increases strength & flexibility, reduces stress & results in a sense of balance & peace.

Classes are offered for both intermediate/advanced & beginning levels. Sessions begin the week of October 25th. Call 815-547-9557 for more information & class times.

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

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September 30, 2021

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.

Call us

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

YMCA

A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

Companion animals often bring great joy to their owners. Dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, & other furry friends make owners smile regardless of how big, small or exuberant they might be. Pet parents go to great lengths to care for & pamper their pets. But even the most attentive owners may overlook signs that a pet is not feeling well.

The pet advocacy group Four Paws says animals hide pain in the wild as an evolutionary trait. Showing weakness or pain increases the risk of being caught by predators. Thus, an ability to hide pain can help animals avoid danger. However, animals do express pain. Acute pain, which can occur if someone accidentally steps on a dog’s tail, will result in a vocal yelp, but a pet who has subtle or chronic pain is unlikely to cry out, & will instead exhibit other signs of pain. Pet owners can familiarize themselves with certain behaviors, physical signs & mobility issues that can be indicative of pain.

Behavioral changes - Pets may exhibit behavioral changes that indicate they’re in pain.

• Avoiding petting or other touch.

• Excessive licking or biting of areas of the body.

• Vocalization that goes beyond the norm, such as more barking, meowing or chirping.

• Restlessness, which may include not being able to find a comfortable position when lying down.

• Being less affectionate to owners, shyness or even exhibiting aggression that is not typical of the animal.

Physical changes - Physical changes may give clues that a pet is in pain. Here are a few signs.

• Shaking or trembling of the body.

• Arching the back or curling up into a ball.

• Holding the head below the shoulders.

• Some pets who are in pain will pant a lot.

• Twitching muscles or seeing that the pet is tense & the muscles are tight.

Mobility issues - Some pain is most evident when pets exhibit issues with their mobility.

• Walking slower or refusing to walk at all.

• Inability or reluctance to jump on furniture or use stairs.

• Failure to lie down or difficulty getting up.

• Limping or shuffling of the feet.

Certain animals may refuse to eat, while others may exhibit noticeable changes in eye brightness if they are in pain. Elevated heart rate also may indicate a pet is in pain. Pet owners are urged to visit a vet if their pet is behaving abnormally, as various behaviors may indicate a pet is in pain.

• For Youth Development • For Healthy Living • For Social Responsibility

This Month’s Healthy Recipe Tomato Corn Skillet

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 Recognizing Signs Of Animal Pain

at 815.398.0500 to discuss the best care options for you or your loved one.

Belvidere Family

BOONE COUNTY

• 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

Directions

Ingredients 1 green pepper, chopped 1/2 cup onion, chopped 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil 1/2 teaspoon salt

Recipe Provided By The U of I Extension Office

4 fresh tomatoes, peeled & diced or 2 cups diced canned tomatoes, drained 1 teaspoon sugar Black pepper to taste

2 cups fresh corn, cooked & removed from cob, or canned corn drained

1. Wash hands with soap & water. Gently rub produce under cold running water before preparing ingredients.

2. Cook green pepper & onion in oil in skillet over medium heat until tender. Add remaining ingredients.

3. Cook until fresh tomatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes or until heated through for canned tomatoes.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving (6 Servings) Calories 100 Total Fat 5 g Sodium 200 mg Carbohydrates 14 g Dietary Fiber 2 g Protein 2 g Nutrition calculated with fresh tomatoes & corn.

Canned products will increase sodium (salt).

Kayaking Do’s & Don’ts Kayaking is a healthy & enjoyable activity that attracts new enthusiasts all the time. Part of what makes the sport so popular is the relative ease with which people can get started. Kayaking requires minimal gear (kayaks can be rented if not purchased) & no advanced skills are required. However, kayaking is not to be taken lightly, as water sports can be unpredictable. Adhering to certain do’s & don’ts can make kayaking safer.

• DO choose the right boat. There are boats rated for kayak racing & those that are strictly for recreational purposes. Some boats are meant for calmer waters & others for waves & open seas.

• DON’T forget to check the weather forecast before heading out in the water. Storms can come up relatively quickly, & offshore winds can make it challenging to paddle back to shore.

• DO let someone know where you’re going & how long you plan to be out on the water.

• DON’T touch or get too close to wildlife, as animals can be unpredictable & even dangerous.

• DO dress for the water temperature & not the weather outside. This helps ensure your health if you intentionally or accidentally enter the water.

• DON’T skip wearing a life jacket/buoyancy aid.

• DO expect to get wet, even if you do not fall in. Splash up will occur from paddles.

• DON’T forget to bring along some snacks & water.

• DO bring a fellow kayaker along. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned professional, bringing a friend along ensures someone can go for help if you’re involved in an accident or suffer an injury.

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

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September 30, 2021

Complete Service Of Cars & Light Trucks

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

Older People Are Vital & Largely Independent

We Carry

Letter From: Kelly Hillan, Exec. Director of The Keen Age Center • Brakes & Suspension • Wheel Alignment • Shocks & Struts • Air Conditioning

See Our “Pros” For

• 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

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU!

Keen Age Center

Info & Assistance

Lending Closet

In-Home Care

Boone County Council On Aging 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere

815-544-9893 • 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.

According to a recent research brief on Ageism by the National Center on Elder Abuse, the idea of Ageism describes the stereotyping, prejudice, and/or discrimination of individuals based on their age. To judge someone based on age alone is no more acceptable than judging them based on their gender or race. Yet it happens all the time & our society constantly sends us messages about how awful it is to be old.

Who is more likely to be described as, “set in their ways,” a 35-year-old or a 75- year-old?

Are you surprised when someone over 70 pulls out their smart phone & can use it with ease? Do you believe that as we age, it is inevitable to slow down & become less creative?

I can tell you with certainty that not all people over the age of 60 are set in their ways & technologically challenged. Furthermore, many people are more active & creative than their 40 something counterparts. What’s important to remember is that you cannot judge a person by their race, gender or age. It’s not okay to stereotype any group of people, yet ageism continues to be one of the least acknowledged & socially accepted forms of prejudice.

Despite ageist misconceptions to the contrary, older people are vital, useful & largely independent members of the community. I would like to highlight members of the Keen Age Center that have chosen to break the stereotypes of aging & are wonderful examples of vibrant, valuable independent members of our community. Please meet the newly crowned Keen Age Center’s 2021 Queen, Ruth Axmark of Belvidere. Ruth is an active participant in card games at the Keen Age Center. Cards are just one example of the activities offered that provide good mental stimulation & promote brain health. Our 2021 King is Tom Lockinger, also of Belvidere. Tom visits the Keen Age Center daily. He is involved in the Reader’s Theatre, pinochle, pool, karaoke, & volunteers as a greeter. Once more, people that are involved in the Keen Age Center are vibrant, valuable, self-sufficient community members.

I encourage you to look for the ways that our community’s older adults lead productive lives & make significant contributions.

Warmly, Kelly

Travel More Extensively With An RV Recreational vehicles, or RVs, provide a taste of home away from home for millions of people every year. RVs allow people to visit even the most remote locations without having to worry about finding food or lodging. RVs are the largest vehicles many people will ever operate, & even long-time drivers will likely need some time to adjust before embarking on their trips.

• Recognize that practice makes perfect. A cross country RV trip is a dream vacation for many people, but drivers must learn to crawl before they can walk. RVs are much bigger & heavier than cars & trucks, & practice runs can help drivers grow acclimated to that size. Don’t begin a practice run without first noting the class & height of the vehicle. The online camper resource Camper Report notes that Class C RVs average 10’ in height, while Class A RVs are typically between 13-14’ tall. Measure the height of your RV prior to your first practice run so you can be sure you can make it beneath all overpasses on your route.

• Take a companion along. Drivers behind the wheel of a car or truck may not give a second thought to driving in reverse or navigating their way around parking lots. But such situations require some forethought, & even a little help, when driving an RV for the first time. A companion can direct drivers into & out of parking spots.

• Utilize leveling blocks. RV leveling blocks help RVs stay level when parked on sloped surfaces. The RV experts at TheRVGeeks.com note that RVs need to be level in order for equipment to work properly. That’s problematic if you park at a campsite with uneven ground. Even if equipment is functional when parked on marginally sloped surfaces, navigating your way through an RV parked on such ground is inconvenient if not annoying. Leveling blocks also can keep jacks from sinking into soft ground, making them an inexpensive yet useful accessory for any RV trip.

• Practice dumping your tanks. Drivers whose RVs have toilets will eventually need to dump their waste.

Drivers should practice this in advance of their first trip so they are practiced when the time comes to do it on the road. Tutorials on YouTube can teach drivers how to dump their tanks. Drivers also can invest in a highly rated, thick sewer hose to avoid being sprayed with waste while out on the road.

RV travel is a great way to experience the open road. First-time RV drivers can try various strategies to get used to what it’s like to be behind the wheel of these unique vehicles.

• 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