Monday, February 27, 2012
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With informative features on ďŹ nance, health and wellness, retirement living and more!
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Planning for Life After 50
2 Looking Forward • February 27, 2012
February 27, 2012 • Looking Forward 3
What is
Medication Compounding?
Pharmacy compounding is the art and science of preparing customized medications for patients by a compounding pharmacy. Its practice dates back to the origins of pharmacy, although compounding’s presence in the pharmacy profession has changed over the years. In the 1930s and 1940s, the majority of prescriptions were compounded. With the advent of mass drug manufacturing in the 1950s and ‘60s, compounding declined as the pharmacist’s role as a preparer of medications quickly changed to that of a dispenser of manufactured dosage forms. However, this “one-size-fits-all” approach to medication meant that some patients’ needs were not being met. Within the last few decades, however, compounding has experienced a renaissance as modern technology and innovative techniques and research have allowed more pharmacists to customize medications to meet a patient’s unique needs. There are several reasons why prescribers and pharmacists provide compounded medications for patients. The primary reason for compounding is to avoid patient non-compliance, which means the patient is either unable or unwilling to use the medication as directed. Many patients are allergic to preservatives or dyes, or require a dosage that is different from the standard drug strengths. With a physician’s consent, a compounding pharmacist can: adjust
the strength of a medication, avoid unwanted ingredients, such as dyes, preservative, lactose, gluten, or sugar, add flavor to make the medication more palatable and also prepare medications using unique delivery systems. For patients who find it difficult to swallow a capsule, a compounding pharmacist may prepare the drug as a flavored liquid suspension instead. Other medication forms include topical gels or creams that can be absorbed through the skin, suppositories, sublingual troches, or even lollipops.
Compounding has been part of healthcare since the origins of pharmacy, and is widely used today in all areas of the industry, from hospitals to nuclear medicine. Over the last few decades, compounding’s resurgence has benefited largely from advances in technology, quality control and research methodology. The Food and Drug Administration has stated that compounded prescriptions are both ethical and legal as long as they are prescribed by a licensed practitioner for a specific patient and compounded by a licensed pharmacy.
4 Looking Forward • February 27, 2012
Forethought® More Americans value funeral services but few pre-plan
Of all the ways we can express love, one of the most thoughtful involves funeral planning before the need arises. It’s not always an easy thing to talk about. However, who wouldn’t want to take the needed steps to spare those they love unnecessary hardship and complication. Forethought funeral planning is a way to secure complete funeral arrangements so your family won’t have to make all those decisions. It’s not difficult to do. Even the name Forethought says that this is the sensible and responsible plan. The one that will reflect your precise desires. Today, many people are making their own plans and choosing the Forethought program to fund them. You may wish to demonstrate just how much you care by making plans , too. Plans that reflect your own expressed wishes and personal preferences regarding funeral arrangements and burial. It’s All Taken Care of There are many decisions related to the funeral and burial, all part of a seemingly endless number of things that would need attention by your family. But you can provide for them now by making a few basic selections today.
Funeral service selections fall into two general categories: the services of funeral professionals and funeral merchandise. A funeral service usually includes: • professional services • transportation services • embalming and other preparation • facilities for visitation • the funeral ceremony • funeral coach • other services and associated items Included in the funeral merchandise are: • a casket or urn • an outer burial container • other merchandise and associated items
You may, of course, choose any or all of the items you prefer. Discuss them with one of our funeral planning professionals. You’ll receive a complete explanation of selections and prices. It’s Just The Way I Want It Once you’ve made your decision and tell us exactly which funeral service you wish, we’ll help you put it in writing. Then there’s no
doubt about your expressed wishes, so there will be no family disputes or involvement by others who may not know what you wanted. Your loved ones won’t need to ask: Did we do the right thing? Did we spend too much or too little? Is it what he or she wanted? Did we forget anything? All that’s eliminated because it’s in writing. Payment Plans To Suit Your Needs Although the average funeral and burial cost much less today than many people expect...surely a funeral will cost much more in the future! Who knows if inflation will rise more rapidly in the future than in the past? When one must live on a fixed income, any additional costs can be significant. There are various payment methods available to fund you funeral plan. And, this is an important issue to discuss with your funeral planning professional. You will have peace of mind knowing that your funeral doesn’t have to be a financial burden on your family. For more information contact a Forethought Funeral Planner.
Funeral Directors
Richard N. Anderson Barry S. Melton Service Assistant
Mervin V. Mathison
F U N E R A L
H O M E ,
L T D.
Forethought® Agent
Candy Anderson 2011 SOUTH FOURTH STREET • DEKALB, ILLINOIS 60115 (815) 756-1022 • Fax: (815) 756-1002
February 27, 2012 • Looking Forward 5
Winter weather especially harsh for those with
diabetes
(ARA) - Trekking through the mall on holiday shopping excursions, shoveling out the driveway and playing in the snow with the kids - every winter, your feet log some long, chilly hours. For people with health issues like diabetes, foot health is especially important when the weather turns cold, as the disease can affect your body’s circulation even more so during the winter months. More than 26 million Americans have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. If you or a loved one have the disease, it’s important to remain vigilant against complications year-round, and especially during the winter when feet are exposed to cold and remain covered up for extended periods. The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) offers some podiatrist-approved advice to help those with diabetes maintain good foot health throughout the winter months: * People with diabetes may experience loss of feeling in the toes and feet, which can
be particularly dangerous during the winter. When walking outside, be sure to keep your feet protected from frostbite by wearing warm socks and proper footwear. * Never walk in the snow in sneakers, dress shoes or sandals. Choose weather appropriate footwear that both fits comfortably and keeps feet dry and warm. You can find a list of footwear that have APMA’s Seal of Acceptance by visiting APMA’s website. * You probably wouldn’t dream of going barefoot outside in the winter, but you shouldn’t do it inside, either. Always wear shoes and socks when walking outside, and at least wear socks inside. They afford a needed layer of warmth and protection. The type of hosiery you choose is important, too. Look for products made from breathable materials that won’t constrict blood flow, such as CrocsRx footwear. Because moisturizing feet in the dry winter months is also important, foot care products such as AmLactin XL Moisturizing Lotion keep feet and skin healthy while being safe for those with diabetes.
Diabetes Self-Management
“It’s not hard difďŹ cult at all.â€? at all.â€? George Daugherty, was diagnosed with diabetes more than 20 years ago and admits to not taking it too seriously. After realizing his unhealthy lifestyle was catching up with him,
sought the assistance of Kishwaukee Community diabetes educators, he now understands the importance of eating breakfast, counting carbs, and just eating smarter.
* Wash and inspect your feet daily. Perform your self-exam at the same time every day and watch for changes in skin color, sores, swelling, blisters, peeling, cracking or other signs of problem. When you have diabetes, even a minor wound can become a problem, so don’t wait to see a podiatrist if you develop an injury that’s not healing. * Stay active. Physical activity aids circulation, which is critical for people with diabetes. Don’t let the cold weather be your excuse for becoming - or staying - sedentary. Get regular exercise, and don’t be afraid to do it outdoors. Just remember to properly protect your feet from moisture and cold while you’re outside. Keeping feet healthy and pain-free can ensure a happy and healthy winter season. If you’re unsure of how to properly care for your feet during winter, or if you experience foot pain or a wound that won’t heal, see today’s podiatrist immediately.
Diabetes self-management can work for you, too. For a consultation call
815.748.8378
Diabetes Education Center ! www.kishhospital.org/diabetes The Kishwaukee Community Hospital Diabetes Education Center is recognized by the American Diabetes Association.
6 Looking Forward • February 27, 2012
Choosing the right Medicare plan: Look beyond premiums
(ARA) - Each year, millions of seniors are able to enroll into a new Medicare prescription drug plan (PDP), and the vast number of available options can make this a daunting task. Choosing a Medicare prescription plan can seem confusing, so the more you know, the easier it will be to find one that makes the most sense for you. Two of the most important aspects to keep in mind are whether the plan can help the beneficiary save money and protect their health. When searching for the right plan, it’s important to look beyond the monthly premium. To help make the process less overwhelming, ask yourself which features are most important for you. Here are a few to consider: What is the plan’s CMS Star Quality Rating? Each year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rates Medicare Part D plans to help you compare the overall quality of plans and make a more informed decision. Based on comments from plan members and other factors, CMS continually “raises the bar” in how they review each plan’s performance in several categories, such as customer service, patient safety, and member experience. Star ratings range from 1 star (poor) to 5 stars (excellent).
Does the plan tell you when there are lowercost alternatives available, such as generics? Many brand-name drugs are scheduled to go “off patent” in 2012, which means that there may be new generic medications available. Plans should let you know when these generics are available and will recommend that you connect with your doctor to understand if the generic is appropriate for you.The total cost of a generic drug can be up to 80 percent less than a brand-name drug. By simply asking your doctor if a generic is available, you could save hundreds of dollars and significantly delay reaching the coverage gap - the dollar amount where your coverage runs out until you reach the designated catastrophic level where it kicks back in. Does the plan offer coverage gap alerts? In 2012, in a standard Medicare prescription plan, once your drug costs (what you pay plus what your plan pays) reach $2,930, you will enter the coverage gap. Choose a plan that gives members the opportunity to learn how close they are to the gap - whether through written materials, phone calls or email alerts - and provides solutions for lowering overall prescription costs that will help to delay entry into it.
Does the plan have online tools? Check into plans that have a suite of online tools for cost comparisons and to ensure safety. Some plans offer tools that alert members when they are taking two medications that don’t work well together and could be potentially harmful to their health. Does the plan provide access to clinical specialists? Look for a plan that not only provides 24-hour access to in-house Medicare advisors, but also to clinical specialists. They will be best suited to advise beneficiaries on prescription therapies as well as discuss lowercost options. Finding a plan that includes both Medicare and clinical specialists provides greater value for your healthcare dollar. Does the plan offer money-saving options? Some plans feature a $0 co-payment for a 90day supply of generic medications by mail while in the coverage gap, a great way to lower costs during this benefit stage. Access to a mailorder pharmacy allows for the convenience of medications to be delivered directly to the home. Mail order can often provide a threemonth supply of medications for nearly 30 percent less than buying a one-month supply three separate times at retail.
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February 27, 2012 • Looking Forward 7
Waking up to the serious problem of
sleep apnea (ARA) - Many people struggling to get a restful night’s sleep are unaware that a serious health problem may be keeping them up. Sleep apnea, which affects 18 million Americans, is a disorder which causes breathing to repeatedly pause during sleep. Sleep apnea lowers a person’s blood oxygen level and results in a fragmented sleep pattern - making for a potentially dangerous health situation. Sleep apnea is linked to major health conditions including diabetes, hypertension, obesity and coronary heart diseases. Often, sleep apnea goes undiagnosed by physicians since it is difficult detecting the condition during a routine office visit. In fact, untreated sleep apnea may cause up to $3.4 billion in additional medical costs in the United States. With the added challenge of having no blood tests available for diagnosing the problem, symptom recognition is extremely important. Discuss the possibility of sleep apnea if you answer positively to the below questions, using the acronym STOP: Snore - Do you snore loudly? Tired - Do you often feel tired, fatigued or sleepy during the daytime?
Observed - Has anyone observed you stop breathing during your sleep? Pressure - Do you have or are you being treated for high blood pressure? Once identified, a sleep study may need to be administered to confirm the diagnosis, which may require staying overnight in a sleep lab or selfadministering a home sleep test. Treatment may be an ongoing process, but with proper maintenance and care, the quality of life for patients with sleep apnea can improve. Here are some common tips and treatment options. Be sure to consult with your doctor, as they will be able to provide you with the best treatment plan based on your own individual health. * Positive airway pressure devices (PAP): PAP devices are prescribed by your physician and come with a variety of breathing masks, meant to be worn over the nose and/or the mouth, supplying air into the throat, which prevents the airway from collapsing. These devices are most often obtained from a home health care company and are typically covered by insurance.
A good night’s sleep is just a phone call away. 7KH .LVKZDXNHH &RPPXQLW\ +RVSLWDO Neuroscience & Sleep Disorder Center
* Oral appliances: An oral appliance, which looks like a sports mouth guard or orthodontic retainer, is worn while sleeping and is designed to keep the airway open by preventing the tongue and soft tissues in the back of the throat from collapsing. * Maintain a healthy weight: About 70 percent of people with sleep apnea are overweight or obese - a common link between diabetes and sleep loss is obesity. Taking steps to lose weight will increase your chances of managing sleep apnea and also reduce the risk of diabetes, a condition that comes with its own set of health problems like kidney disease, heart disease and blindness. * Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking: Alcohol consumption relaxes the upper airway breathing muscles, which makes it difficult for the airway to remain open, further aggravating sleep apnea symptoms. Smoking swells the upper airway, which also worsens symptoms.
For diagnosis in adults and children age 3 and up: f f f f f
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815.277.3979
DeKalb & Sandwich locations
8 Looking Forward • February 27, 2012
Let’s Talk About it: Are you a member of
“The Sandwich Generation”? Be organized. Make a list of things that need to be done, and set realistic priorities and goals. Have a backup plan in place. Stay healthy. Get enough sleep, eat a healthful diet and exercise regularly. Most people tend to overlook their own health when taking care of others.
Are you a member of the “Sandwich” Generation? The term is used for those of us who have young children or transitional age young adults at home and caring for one or more aging parents. It would be no surprise to find out that perhaps over 44 percent of Americans between the ages of 45 and 55 have both living parents and children under 21 years old. In fact, over 22 million Americans are caring for parents or older relatives, according to the AARP. The Kaiser Family Foundation has stated that twothirds of primary caregivers are women and most caregivers are also balancing the demands of working full or part-time, family demands and medical concerns of their loved ones. Finding the right balance of home, family and a job can bring on real emotions and place strains on relationships. Families today are under economic stressors as well as transitional life stressors such as transitioning college age children into adulthood, school age children’s needs and assisting parents or older relatives with independence and medical needs. The hopes of rediscovering or rebuilding a spousal relationship, travel and our own individual goals of “just for the two of us” may not be the reality we created in our minds. This may lead to anxiety, anger, and disappointment. Many families are also bringing aging parents or college age children into the home with the evenings and weekends devoted to meeting their needs which places stress on today’s families as well. Finding solutions and assistance with this balancing act of the “Sandwich Generation” is all about knowing our limits and seeking the supports we need to maintain our own emotional health and well being. The National Mental Health Association offers these tips to help you cope.
Make a little time to do things you enjoy. Relax with family and friends. Having fun, laughing and focusing on things other than your own problems helps you keep your emotional balance and makes you a much better caregiver. Ask for help when you need it. There will be times when you can’t do everything that needs to be done, so call on friends and family members for help with different tasks. Use community resources, such as adult day services, meal or shopping services, and caregiver support groups to help lighten your load. Also look to see what programs are offered through your place of worship. Feel stressed, angry or depressed? Step away from the situation for a while. Leave the room for a minute or take a walk around the block. Do not drink excessively or use drugs to cope with the stress. If the feelings continue, talk to a trusted friend, relative, clergy or health professional. Ask your employer if there is an employee assistance program you can use. Talk to your supervisor at work about your caregiving responsibilities, so he or she knows what difficulties you may experience. Offer to make up any work time you take off for caregiving. Find out your company’s policy on caregivers. It may offer benefits or services that can help. Take advantage of flextime policies at work. Consider working part time or job sharing. Ask your human resources department for information on the Family and Medical Leave Act. This allows up to 12 weeks a year unpaid leave for family caregivers
who meet certain requirements. Always thank your coworkers, friends and family for their help and consideration. Offer to help them with heavy family responsibilities. The Importance of Staying Positive Life’s transitions can be both celebrations and challenges. Stress by itself is not necessarily good or bad, it’s how we navigate it and our outlook. Those of us in the “Sandwich Generation” have the challenge of not only adjusting to new roles, but we also need to take into consideration the changes our parents, children our partners and spouses and others in our families are going through. Maintaining a positive outlook goes a long way in the way we cope with change.
When it becomes difficult to maintain that positive outlook, knowing when to seek the help of available professionals, such as social workers and counselors, our friends and other natural supports is crucial in maintaining this balance. Know the signs of depression and discus them with a mental health professional and with your physician. Feelings of being overwhelmed, depressed and anxious and stressed at times are considered normal, given the situation. We should also realize we are not the only ones in transition; our loved ones may also be experiencing the same stressors we are. As care givers in the “Sandwich Generation”, knowing where to turn for us and those we love and the options available to help us cope are just a phone call away. For more information, contact Ben Gordon Center at 756-4875 or visit www.bengordoncenter.org Ben Gordon Center, 12 Health Services Drive, DeKalb, Illinois 60115 Michael Flora, MBA, M.A. Ed., LCPC, is Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and President/CEO of Ben Gordon Center, DeKalb County’s comprehensive counseling center for children, teens, adults and families
February 27, 2012 • Looking Forward 9
We Provide Comprehensive Counseling Services for Children, Teens, Adults, Families & Area Businesses:
i Individual and Marital Counseling
i ADD/ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
i Mental Health Counseling
i Employee Assistance Programs
i Substance Abuse Treatment
i Psychiatric Evaluation and Treatment
i Psychological Testing i Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Loss and Stress Issues
i Support Groups
12 Health Services Drive, DeKalb, Illinois 60115
T R U S T T H E E X P E R T S I N B E H A V I O R A L H E A LT H C A R E
10 Looking Forward • February 27, 2012
Planning tips for
multi-generational family travel (ARA) - No matter how strong the familial bonds, traveling with multiple generations of family members can be a challenge. Perhaps Grandpa loves visiting historic sites, while his toddler granddaughter prefers amusement parks. Grandma relishes museum hopping while Mom wants to shop the day away. And the only thing they all agree on is the need for an afternoon nap. Adults traveling with children or grandchildren make up 30 percent of all adult leisure travelers, according to the U.S. Travel Association. And family travelers take an average of 4.5 trips per year, the association reports. Traveling with grandparents is on the rise, too; nearly four out of every 10 leisure travelers are grandparents, according to a report in TravelAge West. “Interestingly, the economy seems to have had less of an impact on family travel than on other travel segments,” says Kimberly Miles of the Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “People see traveling with family as an important way to reconnect and enjoy each other’s company. With today’s hectic schedules, many families appreciate the opportunity traveling together gives them to spend quality time together and create lasting memories.” Traveling with multiple generations can be a rewarding experience. Keep these tips in mind to help ensure your multi-generational family travel is fun, safe and rewarding for everyone in the group:
Choose wisely When you have to please tastes and preferences that vary as widely as those between grandparents and grandkids, the destination you choose for your family vacation becomes even more important. Choosing a destination that’s focused on a single theme (such as an amusement park or beach resort) or that has limited access to a variety of attractions may leave at least some members of the group disappointed. Look for destinations that specialize in accommodating family travelers with a wide variety of activities, attractions and types of lodging and dining. For example, Myrtle Beach has earned a reputation as a family-friendly destination for its broad range of things to see and do, including miles of pristine beaches, zoos, amusement parks, museums, natural preserves, and outstanding shopping and dining. Consider special needs In many ways, children and seniors have a lot in common when it comes to travel and special needs. In addition to an entertaining time, both kids and grandparents will need regular meal times and plenty of rest in order to maximize their vacation enjoyment. The adults coordinating the trip will need to keep in mind any special dietary needs of all members in the group. Before setting out, adults should coordinate medication management to ensure everyone has
CARDER TRAVEL LTD invites you to
an adequate supply of any necessary prescriptions. They may also need to provide additional transportation options for any family members with mobility issues. For example, grandparents who normally use a walker may prefer the convenience of a wheelchair or scooter if the family will be visiting an attraction where they will be doing a lot of walking. The family may also need to forego visits to attractions where the terrain would be challenging for very young children or others with mobility issues. Get everyone involved in planning Certainly all adults in the party should have a say in where the family will go, and older kids can also get into the act. The choice of destination and what sights you’ll see can be a group activity, and grandparents and children can enjoy researching together everything there is to see and do. Involving everyone in the planning can also make trip preparations go more smoothly. For example, retired grandparents can ease pre-trip stress by helping parents confirm hotel, airline and rental car reservations. Teens and grandparents can team up to research dining options and plan family meals on the road. “Traveling as a family can be an enriching experience for everyone,” Kimberly Miles says. “By choosing the right destination and putting some extra thought into planning and preparations, you can help ensure everyone enjoys the trip.”
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CARDER TRAVEL LTD Home of the NORTHERN ILLINOIS TRAVEL SOCIETY
2410 Sycamore Road, DeKalb , IL 60115 815-756-1547; travelsociety@hotmail.com
Stop by the office to pick up brochures or call for information.
February 27, 2012 • Looking Forward 11
Baby boomers: Don’t forget to care for your
eyes as you age (ARA) - The baby boomer generation makes up an estimated 76 million people - roughly one-fourth of the U.S. population. This means that either you or someone you love is part of this aging group. According to Eye on the Boomer, a recent survey by the Ocular Nutrition Society, almost as many baby boomers say they worry about losing their vision as those that say they worry about having heart disease or cancer. What’s more, 78 percent of those surveyed ranked vision as the most important of the five senses. Yet, more than half of the survey respondents ages 45-65 said they don’t typically have a recommended annual eye exam, and even fewer are aware of important nutrients that can play a key role in eye health. Experts recommend that disease prevention, including lifestyle modification, attention to dietary intake and vitamin supplementation must become a greater focus of primary vision care. Studies indicate that proper nutrition promotes healthy eyes, however many American diets are found to be deficient of the critical nutrients that help protect eye health. “If people are at risk for heart disease they
typically make lifestyle modifications,” says Dr. Jeffrey Anshel, president of the Ocular Nutrition Society. “This survey found that people are as concerned about their eyes but do not know the simple steps they can incorporate into their daily lives to take care of them.” * Vitamin supplements can be used for your eyes, too While people take a variety of different supplements to support their health, vitamins specifically formulated to help protect the eyes are often not in the mix - and for many people, they should be. While more than half of those surveyed are taking supplements to protect their joints, bones or heart health only 18 percent say they take supplements to support their eye health. “As we grow older, the need for certain vitamins and nutrients to support the eye increases - the survey revealed low awareness of these essential nutrients,” says Anshel of nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, lutein and zeaxanthin. He adds that there is a “need for greater education on the lifestyle modifications
that baby boomers can incorporate into their daily lives, including proper nutrition, to help safeguard eye health as they age.” To help protect eye health as they age, Anshel recommends people aged 45-65 take the following steps: * Stop smoking, exercise regularly and wear sunglasses with UV protection * Make an annual appointment with an eye doctor * Eat foods rich in eye healthy nutrients, such as tuna or salmon for omega-3s and spinach, kale and broccoli containing lutein and zeaxanthin * To help overcome shortfalls in the diet consider a vitamin supplement specificallyformulated for eye health
LASIK AND BEYOND 2240 Gateway Drive | Sycamore, Illinois | 60178 (815) 756-8571 | www.hauser-ross.com
12 Looking Forward • February 27, 2012
Your legacy of giving: Review your beneficiary lists
(ARA) - As you prepare for tax time and organize your finances, it’s also a good time to evaluate your will and legacy. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans offers these tips to help get you started on a beneficiary review. Your estate: for beneficiaries only One of the most common mistakes people make is failing to update the beneficiary designations on financial contracts to coordinate with their will and other estate plan documents. Beneficiary designations supersede bequests made in a will. Your intentions for giving your estate may be at risk if your designations are not kept up to date. Life insurance and financial services companies can distribute money only to the designated beneficiaries. Life events make it necessary to update your designations
from time to time. If your beneficiary moves, you should update their address to ensure they’ll be contacted should benefits need to be paid out. Also, if you become divorced or widowed, you should review your designation and possibly update it. Wills are created to eliminate confusion for your loved ones in your absence. Some work now will be worth it when the time comes to enact your will. Consult a financial professional The laws related to inheriting assets are complex and can be confusing unless you have an experienced professional at your side. Financial professionals can help guide you through the process of updating your will. They can answer questions and provide insight on common solutions to will-related issues, and they can ensure that your wishes are granted with the way you set up your plans.
An ongoing process Thrivent Financial recommends you review and update your beneficiary designations at least once a year or any time you have a life event. Regular reviews can prevent surprises down the road. They also provide an opportunity to discuss the future with loved ones: conversations that may otherwise be avoided. Leaving a legacy for the people and causes you care for most is a lasting, meaningful gift. To learn more, visit Thrivent. com.
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and its respective associates and employees cannot provide legal, accounting, or tax advice or services. Work with your Thrivent Financial representative, and as appropriate, your attorney and/or tax professional for additional information.
Make a lasting gift Kishwaukee Valley Associates 143 N. 2nd Street, Suite 2 DeKalb, IL 60115 815-517-0021
Everyone knows that life insurance is a great way to protect your family. But did you know that with a gift of life insurance, you can really make a difference for the charitable organizations you care about most? For more information on giving life insurance and how you can make a difference, call today.
Todd Tompkins Finanical Associate
Shawn Blobaum, FIC Finanical Associate
Insurance products issued or offered by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Appleton, WI. Not all products are available in all states. For additional important disclosure information, please visit Thrivent.com/disclosures. 21758A R11-11
©2011 Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
201103888
February 27, 2012 • Looking Forward 13
scary heating bills How to avoid
this winter
(ARA) - This year’s winter weather has been unpredictable, but homeowners can take a few simple steps now to ensure chilly temperatures and monthly heating bills don’t take a bite out of their wallet. Seeing your home through the lens of an infrared camera is one simple way to evaluate heat loss - an infrared lens is able to capture thermal energy emitted from weaknesses in the home’s “thermal envelope,” the barrier created between the exterior of a home and outdoor temperatures. “What you’re seeing in an infrared photo of a home is not unlike what you might see from the human body - the most substantial loss of heat is from the top,” says John Smith, leader of Environmental Construction for Johns Manville, a building products manufacturer. “Similar to a winter hat, the proper level of attic insulation combined with air sealing helps trap heat inside, increasing comfort and efficiency and decreasing money wasted on energy bills.” Homeowners can contact a local energy auditor to have a thermal image taken of their home. If you don’t have access to an infrared camera, evaluating home efficiency can be as easy as taking a trip to the attic with a measuring tape and measuring the
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depth of attic insulation - the average home needs up to 19 inches of fiber glass attic insulation for maximum energy efficiency. “Many homeowners automatically brace themselves for higher energy bills as soon as temperatures dip and winter coats come out,” says Kateri Callahan, president of Alliance to Save Energy, a Washington, D.C.based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting energy efficiency. “But it doesn’t need to be that way. Taking a proactive approach to energy efficiency is easier and more attractive than ever with the availability of tax credits and rebate incentives. What’s more, projects that increase energy efficiency, such as air sealing and adding insulation, are among the best investments to deliver paybacks - now and in the future.” Do-it-yourself (DIY) or Do-it-for-me (DIFM)? After evaluating their existing level of attic insulation, homeowners can identify the best approach to completing the project based on available resources, such as time, their personal skill level and budget. DIY-savvy homeowners can install insulation themselves, whereas other homeowners may be more comfortable with a DIFM approach. “Handy homeowners can add insulation in their attics by placing batts or rolls on top
of existing insulation or they can rent an insulation blowing machine to install loose-fill insulation,” says Fred Stephan, vice president and general manager of Insulation Systems for Johns Manville. “For those who prefer to hire someone to perform the work, major retailers such as Lowe’s offer Installation Services programs, which connect homeowners with qualified contractors in their area. With one stop, a homeowner can select products and a reputable third party to handle the project.” When adding insulation, homeowners should also consider air sealing their attic to help eliminate any holes or gaps that may exist in the floor or walls. By using caulk, spray foam or weather stripping to close such gaps, homeowners can further decrease wasted energy. “As homeowners tighten up their homes to improve energy efficiency, they should consider using products that are free of formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds,” says Stephan. “Products such as Johns Manville Formaldehyde-free fiber glass insulation help improve indoor air quality and achieve a healthier, safer home by reducing your overall formaldehyde exposure.”
14 Looking Forward • February 27, 2012
In retirement, how will you use
your nest egg?
(ARA) - You’ve waited your whole working life and now it is finally here: retirement. Savings, 401(k)s, investments: you did what you needed to get to the finish line. So now what? Determining how to manage your nest egg during retirement can seem daunting without proper guidance. Here are some tips to get you thinking about your retirement income strategy from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.
Asset management is critical
Work with a financial professional
Make sure you have the right combination of stock market exposure for long-term growth and investments for short-term income and stability. Long-term equity exposure can help portfolio growth and act as a hedge against inflation. Shortterm income should be managed more conservatively to create added stability to your retirement strategy.
The phrase “set it and forget it” does not apply to retirement income strategies. As lives change, so do needs, and a financial professional can provide ongoing guidance and maintenance for your strategy. They bring a knowledge and understanding of the economy and markets, and they can be a resource for answering questions you have along the way.
Protect your income strategy Products with guarantees help retirees succeed Establish a floor of income with product guarantee features. Take a closer look at products like selected annuities to help supplement your guaranteed income stream. When part of a broad retirement strategy, guaranteed products can help provide you with or supplement other income.
Guard against the loss of income that can come with unexpected catastrophic events. Even the best retirement strategy can be rendered meaningless if unexpected health care costs, death or other life-changing events occur. Protect your retirement by ensuring you have the proper levels of life insurance and longterm care insurance.
Keeping these simple tips in mind will help you clear the last hurdle to a satisfying retirement.
Your Retirement Income Optimize it. Protect it. Enjoy it. Savings for retirement is only half the challenge Options that allow you to build a guaranteed income for life Growing assests for near- and long-term gains You're invited to attend this FREE workshop hosted by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and by your financial representatives Shawn Blobaum and Todd Tompkins. Desserts will be provided
Event Details Thursday, March 20, 2012 Johnny's Charhouse 1950 DeKalb Ave. Sycamore, IL 60178 Please call 815-517-0021 by March 12, 2012 to reserve your spot.
Insurance products issued or offered by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Appleton, WI. Not all products are available in all states. Securities and investment advisory services are offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., 625 Fourth Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415, a FINRA and SIPC member and a wholly owned subsidiary of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Thrivent Financial representatives are registered representatives of Thrivent Investment Management Inc. They are also licensed insurance producers of Thrivent Financial. No products will be offered for sale. For additional important disclosure information, please visit Thrivent.com/disclosures 2477SC Thrivent.com 201200614
February 27, 2012 • Looking Forward 15
Have You
Charged Your Eyeglasses Today? Dr. Rafferty, an optometrist at Hauser-Ross Optical in Sycamore, Il, was one of six sites chosen across the U.S. to test the optical characteristics of the Pixel emPower Lens about 1 1/2 years ago. Patients were recruited and the benefits of the lens were compared to the current “high end” progressive lens. In each category tested, the emPower electronic lens out performed the regular progressive. All of this testing was done in office. Dr. Rafferty, unlike many other Pixel emPower Providers has a better understanding of how this lens works because of the study that was completed there. A NEW device may be joining smartphones, iPads and music players that you have to charge overnight: electronic eyeglasses. These glasses have tiny batteries, microchips and assorted electronics to turn reading power on when you need it and off when you don’t. Traditionally, people who hit their 40s often need extra optical help as farsightedness sets in. They may buy bifocals or no-line progressive lenses. But such glasses have a drawback: the lenses that magnify fine print also blur objects more than an arm’s length away when a wearer looks down, distorting the view when on a staircase, for example, or when swinging at a golf ball. The new electronic spectacles, called emPower, are intended to handle that problem with an unusual insert in the bottom part of the lenses: liquid crystals, cousins to the familiar ones in television displays. The crystals change how the lenses refract or bend light, just as varying levels of thickness do in traditional glasses. To call up reading power in the new glasses, users touch the side of the frame. Batteries in the frame send along a current that changes the orientation of molecules in the crystals. Touch the side of the frame again, and the reading power disappears. Turn it off to hit a golf ball; turn it on to read the scorecard. The glasses, made by PixelOptics in Roanoke, Va., will be on the market this spring — first in Virginia and North Carolina, and later in the year nationally, said Dr. Ronald Blum, an optometrist and the company’s president. The
estimated price, $1,000 to $1,200, will include frames, lenses, coatings and charger. Dr. Larry Wan, a managing partner at Family EyeCare Center in Campbell, Calif., tested the glasses with 10 of his patients, all in their 50s. He said they were a hit, for example, with people who had been bothered by blur as they walked down flights of stairs while wearing their glasses. “With these,” he said, “you can turn the reading power off, so they are safer and you don’t have that distortion.” Of course, you’ll have to remember to charge them, a nuisance required by no ordinary pair of glasses. The charge lasts two to three days, said Larry Rodriguez, an executive at PixelOptics. But you won’t have to worry if you drop them in the water. “Wipe them off and they should be fine,” he says, although they may require recharging. The glasses have a parts list associated more with iPods than with optics. The transparent layer of liquid crystals and its electrode array are buried beneath the front surface of the lenses. The eyeglass frames have tiny microchips, rechargeable batteries and wires that supply electricity to the lenses. There are also built-in accelerometers, devices that sense the downward bend of a head, as though to look at a page, that can switch on the reading power automatically. Although the eyeglasses are loaded with electronics, they don’t look that way, says Jack Loeb of Fisher Island, Fla., who is trying out a pair. “They look just like ordinary, highend glasses,” he said. Thirty-six different frames made by Aspex Eyewear will be offered initially, Mr. Rodriguez said. The electronic lenses are being manufactured by the Panasonic Healthcare Company in Japan. The lenses can be popped out and replaced if a prescription changes, Dr. Blum said. The market for emPower glasses isn’t likely to include the young. “About 80 percent of the people wearing reading glasses are past 40,” said Steve Kodey, director of industry
research at the Vision Council, a trade group for eyewear manufacturers and suppliers in Alexandria, Va. But the market is “much bigger than most people realize,” Mr. Kodey says. Last year, some 20.6 million pairs of progressive lenses, and about 16.2 million pairs of bifocals, were sold in the United States. If consumers buy emPowers instead of high-end progressive lenses, they will pay a premium. Even in high-end regular glasses, progressive lenses typically go for $300 to $400, Mr. Kodey said. And the average cost of frames is $125 (though there are many highercost options for the fashion-conscious.) LIQUID crystals offer a promising way to bend light in glasses, says Larry Thibos, a professor of optometry at Indiana University, Bloomington, whose research for the last 20 years has included work on electronic spectacles. “The concept is solid,” he said. You energize the crystals and you have a lens that will then vanish when the power goes off. Dr. Thibos evaluated prototypes of the glasses for Dr. Blum a decade ago. “The glasses worked fine even then, but they looked geeky,” he said of early versions. The process of bringing the glasses to market — in a stylish form — took 12 years and roughly 275 patents, says Dr. Blum. Financing has been provided by Delphi Ventures, the Carlyle Group, Longitude Capital, Stark Investments, Panasonic Ventures and Life Science Angels, among others. The work on the new lenses started with the liquid crystals in computers, not in spectacles. In 1999, Dr. Blum and his group were working on ways to help aging eyes read a computer screen. Originally, they had hoped to put the extra reading power directly into the liquid crystal display on the computers, which at that time had thick screens. But as the screens grew thinner, it was no longer practical to do so. “So we had to take what we’d put into the computer screen and put it into your lenses,” Dr. Blum said.
16 Looking Forward • February 27, 2012
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