How To Choose 2020

Saturday, September 26, 2020 | H1

2020 HOW TO GUIDE

How To Choose...

2020

Your Local Guide Article Index Life Care Home ............................................. 2 Optometrist ................................................... 3 Funeral Home ................................................ 4 Final Resting Place........................................ 5

Alternatives to Smoking ................................ 6 Auto Body and Performance......................... 7 Audiologist..................................................... 8

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H2 | Saturday, September 26, 2020

How to your local Choose guide

2020 HOW TO GUIDE

How to Choose...

Life-Care Home

Making the Right Choice When Choosing a Life-Care Home Searching for a life-care home can be an unpleasant process.

It is a decision few look forward to. It is stressful and often intimidating. Fortunately, much of this unpleasantness is unnecessary.

You can avoid much of this frustration by having a plan. No one knows how and where you will feel most at home better than you, but no one may know at all if you do not tell them. Despite their best intentions, your family may not recognize that your priorities and preferences are much different from theirs. In the event your family is forced to make decisions without your input, your care will be subject to their guesses.

A common mistake made by loved ones is selecting a place that is convenient for the family but far from your friends and support community. Or, they may pick a facility that is pleasant to visit, but not a very pleasant place to live. A beautifully decorated facility may not feel like home to you. Without your guidance, your family may fail to place proper emphasis on your top priorities.

Many choose retirement or assisted living arrangements for the freedom and convenience long before any health concerns arise.

Time that you would have spent laboring with household chores can now be enjoyed pursuing your interests and favorite pursuits. Your loved ones will appreciate your new-found freedom as they enjoy their time with you more and worry about you less.

Asking these questions before making any life-care decisions could help alleviate much of the stress, anxiety, and secondguessing.

options requires an investment of time, and this decision is too important to rush. The following plan will help you invest your time wisely.

Consider the following:

Make the Right Decision the First Time

1) How much of your time is consumed by chores like preparing for the day, i.e. cooking, laundry, housekeeping, etc.?

2) How many of these things take considerably longer than they used to?

3) Do any of these activities seem overly tedious?

4) Do you require special assistance from a loved one or professional?

5) How much time or money does this assistance cost?

6) Do you or your loved ones experience stress/worry over your current situation?

The proper research of your

If you are hospitalized, it is worthwhile to seek Medicare coverage for extra hospital days, to pay for those days yourself or even to stay temporarily with loved ones until you find the right place. It is better to find the right home the first time than to “try out” a facility only to have to relocate later. Remember: You are shopping for a new home so it should be a place you want to live.

Make a Potential Home List By considering these questions, you will get a sense of what is most important to you and you

will begin the process with a few options on your list. Begin with personal experience: 1) What facilities have you visited in the past?

2) What did you like and dislike about each one?

3) Do you have friends living in a nursing home or assisted living community?

4) How do they feel about their homes?

5) How comfortable are you during your visits with these friends?

If you are researching on behalf of a loved one, make a special effort to keep them involved as much as possible. Ask for their opinions and do your best to view the options from their perspective. For a free downloadable form to help you choose a life-care home that best fits your needs, visit www.thebaptisthome. org/makingtherightchoice.

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Saturday, September 26, 2020 | H3

2020 HOW TO GUIDE

How to Choose...

Selecting the Best Eye Doctor

How to your local Choose guide

Straining your eyes to read your favorite book?

Squinting to see across the room? Chances are you need glasses or contacts.

Regular eye exams are crucial to your long-term health and happiness..Even if you don’t have noticeable trouble with your eyesight, it is still important to have a routine examination. Getting your eyes checked often makes it possible to discover vision issues early. Catching problems early makes the problems easier to treat. Catching and treating eye problems early will likely lead to better outcomes.

But choosing a right optometrist or ophthalmologist can be a challenge. Consider these aspects when doing your research.

INSURANCE

If you have health or vision insurance, check the list of doctors who are covered by your plan. Insurance companies make agreements with doctors or eye care specialists to deliver services at a prearranged price. Picking an “in-network” doctor will save you

money on your co-pay and outof-pocket costs.

TYPES OF DOCTORS

While optometrists do not medical degrees, they do have specialized training in diagnosing and treating vision and eye health-related problems. These professionals receive bachelor’s degrees before their four-year training programs. Optometrists can identify and diagnose a variety of eye disorders, including cataracts, glaucoma and retinal disease. They also have the ability to write prescriptions to treat these conditions.

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who treat eye diseases.

They have medical degrees along with their specialized training for eye treatment. Their extensive background typically includes four years of pre-med school, four years of medical

school, at least one year of an internship and three years of residency before receiving their ophthalmology license. Along with treating vision problems, they provide medical and surgical care, and even plastic surgery.

TRAINING

Eye doctors often specialize in certain diseases or treatments.

If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, for instance, you can find a doctor who has experience specifically treating that disease.

Be sure to ask eye doctors about their experiences treating specific diseases and conditions.

REFERENCES

Your family doctor or general practitioner may know the good eye doctors in your area. Doctors often refer patients to an eye care specialist that has the most experience treating specific needs.

Friends and family can also provide helpful advice. They can tell you who they used for their previ-

Dr. Craig Eck

Dr. Shana Rose

ous eye exams. They can also provide insight about any issues and tell you who works well with children.

SELECTION

Some people are particular about their eyeglass frames, lenses or contacts. If you already know what you need -- such as glasses from a particular designer -- look for an eye doctor who has access to that brand.

You can also see their stock of eyeglass frames to make sure they carry the style you desire.

When purchasing glasses, you will want to have a wide range of products to view. Lenses and frames can vary in terms of comfort, appearance, price and quality. The better the selection, the more likely you will find that perfect pair of glasses.

Don’t let yourself miss out on all of the beauty and fun in the world. See your local eye doctor know and start enjoying life again.

Dr. Brent Davidson

At the forefront of technology, we offer Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery.

• Diagnosis and Medical Treatment of Eye Disorders and Diseases • Cataract Evaluation and Surgery • Glaucoma Treatment • Diabetic Eye Exams • Specializing in Advanced Corneal Surgery

Call today to make an appointment!

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Envision Eye Specialists Farmington, MO 1390 W. Liberty St., Farmington, MO 63640 (573) 915-7000 Envision Eye Specialists Fenton, MO (636) 717-1700 Visit our website at www.envisioneyestl.com

H4 | Saturday, September 26, 2020

2020 HOW TO GUIDE

How to Choose... a Funeral Home

How to your local Choose guide

Of all of life’s decision that are worthy of serious thought, one of the most important is selecting a funeral home that can provide the care and support that will best benefit your family. Choosing that funeral home may be as simple as following a family tradition or staying within the local neighborhood: But there are other considerations.

Reputation and experience; integrity and community trust; cost of services and goods provided; general appearance and care of facilities: These are all aspects of funeral service that will affect your families shared experience.

Questions often asked are: Aren’t all funeral home about the same? No. Although, the State of Missouri requires licensing for various positions within a funeral home, not everyone has the same level of experience. The funeral profession is a 24-hour day, 7 day a week commitment.

Entrusting your loved one into a compassionate and caring environment will provide peace of mind.

Who can help me with this decision? First of all, planning funeral arrangements in advance is desirable. It allows family members to understand your wishes and spares them from the difficult task that has fallen on them. Your funeral director will be able to answer all of your questions regarding funeral arrangements and preplanning. Local clergy,

social workers, beauticians and barbers often will have a relationship with the funeral home and may offer knowledge or share an opinion that may help you choose a funeral home and director.

What about cost? The Federal Trade Commission mandates that funeral homes must provide you with a General Price List, which includes an itemization of services and a Casket Price List. Be specific in what type of services you are desiring and always look at the complete picture. Never assume that an advertised price will meet all your expectations. Most do not. If you have a prepaid funeral plan, be sure that what you have paid for is provided to your family at the time of need.

Keep in mind that most prepaid funeral plans are transferable.

How important is it to prepay for the funeral services that I have planned? When someone ask me about preplanning, I tell them “It makes sense”. “You are giving your family vital information that is truly a gift --and a gift that arrives on one of the most difficult days of their lives.” Then if I am asked about pre-paying for their funeral expense, I can repeat the same thing. “It makes sense, It is a gift to your family”.

Here is why. In essence pre-funding freezes the cost.

What is paid for today covers the future cost of that service, something a savings account

can’t guarantee. Some funeral homes will allow you to assign insurance proceeds as a method of prepaying future funeral expense. When these funds are specifically set aside for funeral expense, they are by law, protected assets that allow you to gain access to medical assistance if you are required to live in a nursing home or receive long term care.

Choose a Funeral Home” We are fortunate that in this area we have mostly family owned funeral homes to choose from. You will likely find that family name on the building or read & hear advertising that proudly states family owned. Hopefully the information offered above will be helpful to you and your family.

Thank you for caring and taking the time to read, “How to

C.Z. Boyer & Son, INC is a Family owned, 5th generation Funeral service provider in St.Francois County. Hillview Memorial Cemetery and crematory owned & operated by the Boyer family.

By combining these services, we are better able to serve individual needs, & meet the expectations of the families we serve.

Funeral Planning Quick Reference Guide Legal information needed when arranging a funeral: Symbolizing Trust & Caring Service since 1906

Full Legal Name Date of Birth Place of Birth Education & Occupation Social Security Number Parents Names Military Discharge Papers

Information needed to help complete obituary:

New Funeral Planning Guides Available

Call any of our locations to set an appointment at one of our funeral homes or your home today.

No Cost & No Obligation

Personal attention is given to each family.

Our experienced and caring staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Newly remodeled and expanded lounge facilities!

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(573) 358-2277

(573) 431-2686

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(573) 756-4533 “Our family serving your family for over 100 years”

www.czboyer.com

Nicknames Immediate Family Members Names Hobbies & Areas of Interest Church Membership Awards Lodges & Organizations Military History

Items to consider when preparing for a funeral:

Type of Service Music Selection for Service Minister Conducting Service Floral Choices Pictures to be Displayed Cemetery Information

The lists above contain information and items that will in most cases be needed when preparing to arrange a funeral service for a loved one. Whenever possible this information should be gathered ahead of time and kept safe until needed. If you would like a Free Funeral Planning Guide please contact C.Z. Boyer & Son, Inc. at one of our four convenient locations or online at www.czboyer.com 00 1

Saturday, September 26, 2020 | H5

2020 HOW TO GUIDE

How to your local Choose guide

How to Choose... a Final Resting Place

Have the talk of a lifetime. There are many options available in choosing a final resting place.

Whether pre-planning for yourself or a family member, this end-of- life choice has a lasting impact. The decisions made will leave a legacy for the deceased and help the living go beyond the grieving process. Here are some thoughts to consider when choosing your final resting place.

When starting the conversation about a final resting place there are several selections available. Most cemeteries offer a variety of spaces: in ground, above ground, spaces for caskets as well as spaces for cremains. When purchasing a grave space, mausoleum or niche, you are purchasing cemetery property. In much the same way as conventional real estate, the location is essential. Also, as we age so does our ability to climb hills, so flat ground should be a preference. Also ensure the

area is well maintained and conveniently located.

A few questions as well as observations of a cemetery will help you make a solid decision. Is it mowed often? Are roads kept in good condition?

Are downed limbs and other debris taken care of promptly?

In many cases even a wellkept cemetery may not have

long term plans in place for the care and maintenance of the property. Long term planning for upkeep and improvements are important. One way to ensure that plans are in place is to choose a perpetual care cemetery. A cemetery that maintains a perpetual care fund, also known as an endowed care fund, ensures the future of the property. In the State of Missouri 10% of all Mausoleum spaces as well as 15% of all ground spaces must be placed in the Perpetual Care Fund.

History tends to repeat itself.

Look into the history of the person or company that owns the cemetery you have an interest in and ask questions.

You can also get to know the manager and or caretaker of the cemetery. Remember this

will be your final resting place, so choose carefully.

When making these decisions for yourself in advance it not only relieves the burden for your family, it also assures them that they are honoring your final wishes.

Hillview Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum owned and operated by the Boyer family offers your family all of this and more...

• Peacefully situated 1/2 mile off “OO” Hwy on Westmeyer Road in Farmington, MO • Perpetual Care Fund well maintained.

• Backed by 5 generations of knowledge and funeral experience.

An Endowed Care Cemetery

Located just south of Farmington on Westmeyer Road

573-756-5257

Prepayment Plans available for both Mausoleum Crypts and Grave spaces.

Ask about monthly installment plans

Mausoleum space now available for those families who prefer that option.

Hillview Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum “Family owned & operated since 1906”

Caring Experienced Professional 00 1

www.czboyer.com

H6 | Saturday, September 26, 2020

How to your local Choose guide

2020 HOW TO GUIDE

How to Choose...

A Safer Alternative to Smoking

Quitting smoking can reduce the risk for heart and lung diseases, reduce the chances for low birth weight babies and sudden infant death syndrome and improve one’s life expectancy.

Smoking is a deadly habit. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that cigarette smoking causes more than 480,000 deaths each year in the United States. Smoking also causes more deaths each year than alcohol use, illegal drug use, human immunodeficiency virus, motor vehicle injuries, and firearm-related incidents combined. Statistics Canada indicates that around 100 Canadians die of smoking-related illnesses each day.

Despite the knowledge that both cigarette smoking and products such as pipes, and cigars have serious health risks, many people feel powerless to quit.

Quitting smoking can reduce the risk for heart and lung diseases, reduce the chances for low birth weight babies and sudden infant death syndrome and improve one’s life expectancy.

Each time a person resists a tobacco craving, he or she is one step closer to quitting smoking.

Around 90 percent of those who try to quit do so without any help from aids, according to WebMD. But going cold turkey may not be the best path to success, as only around 5 to 7 percent of people who try this route maintain the momentum. However, research published in 2010 in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, which compared abrupt quitting to methods designed to gradually quit, found that neither method was necessarily more successful than the other.

Individuals who are attempting to quit may need to go through some trial and error before ultimately finding the method that

works for them.

Involving others in your efforts might be a smart approach.

Doing so creates a sense of accountability and ensures a support network is always there.

Changes in behavior and thinking also can be necessary. The Mayo Clinic suggests avoiding triggers that have previously stimulated a desire to smoke.

Some common triggers include being at parties or bars, stress-

ful situations, post-meal smoking sessions, or commutes. Changing routines can help break the habit of smoking.

Replacement products, whether they contain nicotine or not, can give the mouth something to do and stave off cravings. Many people find chewing gum, sucking on a straw or munching on carrots helps. A variety of nicotine replacement products also may help people quit.

Staying busy and distracting the

mind can keep a person away from cigarettes. Enrolling in fitness classes, starting a club or engaging in a hobby or craft can divert attention away from smoking - especially if these activities are not part of one’s normal routine.

People who want to quit smoking can be successful, even if they experience a little trial and error on their way to kicking tobacco for good.

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Saturday, September 26, 2020 | H7

2020 HOW TO GUIDE

How to Choose... an Auto Body Shop

How to your local Choose guide

According to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, your chances of needing the services of an auto body shop or collision-repair expert are often higher than many think.

From dents and scrapes to fender-benders and more intense damage resulting from an accident, repairing your vehicle requires the services of expert professionals from an experienced, reputable auto body shop.

Choosing the right body shop depends on many factors, such as the extent of damage, whether the costs are born by yourself or insurance, the experience of the shop with your make and model of vehicle and the shop’s history and reputation, among others.

Paramount to your search is finding an auto body shop that’s honest, trustworthy and dependable. That choice will ensure that your vehicle is repaired quickly, affordably and correctly.

The shop you choose should be able to complete all manner of work, from a minor touch-up to a full-body repair.

Your friends, family and colleagues might have recommendations. After all, auto body shops are an unfortunate, but necessary, part of life for most people.

Have a list of companies, research each shop on the Internet and read customer reviews.

Testimonials, negative and positive, should be considered. But keep in mind that no business has a 100 percent satisfaction rate. Someone will always be displeased. Also, more people are likely to leave a negative rather than a positive comment.

A good source for finding an auto body shop is your local newspaper. Local businesses advertise and many times you can find special deals to help save you money.

Once you have created a list

of shops, contact them on the phone and ask pertinent questions. How long have they been in business? What are their specialties? How soon can you bring your vehicle in for an inspection?

Ask to set up an appointment for a free inspection. Then further investigate the business. Look around their lobby. Is it clean? Do they have their license and any awards or certificates posted?

Do they care enough about their customers to offer reading material, coffee or water?

Consider prices. Are they comparable to other body shops?

While you want to find that deal,

remember, cheaper is not always better. Understand that you will often get what you pay for when it comes to auto body work.

Low prices may be tempting, but they typically mean sub-par work, used parts and paint that is incorrectly applied.

Feel free to ask the manager or owner for references before they work on your car.

You can also check their previous work. When you see a car with paint drips, panels that are misaligned or paints that don’t match, look elsewhere. You will not save money if you need to have the improper work redone.

We Take Pride in Our Work

The shop should inspect your vehicle for repairs that are not readily visible. Often, there are hidden damages that cannot be detected until repair work begins on the vehicle.

Finding an auto body shop may not be the most pleasant business because it usually means your vehicle has suffered some kind of damage. But finding the right shop will make the experience much more pleasant and you will be happy with the repairs. Especially if you find the right shop that knows how to repair your vehicle so it looks the same as before, or even better.

Our I-Car Certified Technicians are committed to quality craftsmanship that shines through in every job we do.

We Only use PPG water based paints so everything we spray is no harm to the environment!

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Farmington Location: 1371 Sainte Genevieve Ave, Farmington Leadington Location: 970 E Woodlawn Dr, Farmington

H8 | Saturday, September 26, 2020

2020 HOW TO GUIDE

How to Choose Your Audiologist

Choosing a hearing care provider can be a daunting task. Here are three tips for getting the best care possible from your hearing care team: CHOOSE SOMEONE WHO TAKES THE TIME TO GET TO KNOW YOU Hearing care providers should learn about the specific listening situations that are the most challenging for you so they can create a customized hearing plan tailored to your needs.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALITY CARE Whether you are having trouble communicating because of hearing loss; struggling with the constant burden of ringing your ears; or are seeking dependable, expert advice about technology, choose a provider that offers a depth of experience and quality care that you cannot find anywhere else.

HEARING CARE TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE Hearing is incredibly important to be able to fully experience your life and relationships. The right hearing care provider will ensure during a consultation that they fully understand your needs and expectations before completing necessary testing. When appropriate, technology and hearing care plans will be recommended and precisely fit for your comfort, sound quality, and long-term health.

Our team at Hearing Care Partners provides hearing services that are designed at every step of the way to improve your quality of life.

Visit us at one of our three convenient locations to experience the difference.

Expert Hearing Care That Makes a Difference in Your Life At Hearing Care Partners, we listen so you can hear.

Your treatment will be based on your background, situation, and experience.

Come see why thousands of patients call Hearing Care Partners “home” for their hearing care needs.

Schedule your complimentary consultation to: TEST your hearing, and find out exactly what’s missing from your sound experience.

LEARN about your hearing care treatment options.

EXPERIENCE new hearing technology for yourself with a demonstration of the latest, most advanced hearing devices.

Karen Melton, Au.D., CCC-A Doctor of Audiology David Shepard, BC-HIS Hearing Instrument Specialist Lynn Royer, BC-HIS Hearing Instrument Specialist Lee Supitilov, BC-HIS Hearing Instrument Specialist Bobby Jo McClure, HIS Hearing Instrument Specialist

Call today to schedule your complimentary consultation!

573.747.4719

HearingCarePartners.com

620 Walton Dr • Farmington Additional locations in Ste. Genevieve and Herculaneum 00 1