Senior Living

January 3, 2019

WHAT’S YOUR NEXT STEP?

When When your your housing housing needs needs change, change, let let me me help help you you through through the the process. process. Over Over 31 31 years years experience. experience.

Jane Eurek 815-988-7596 ®

Managing Broker, SRES janeeurek@dickersonnieman.com

Happy New Year!

January

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1253 1253 Logan Logan Ave., Ave., Belvidere Belvidere dickersonnieman.com dickersonnieman.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 1444 N. State St. Belvidere, IL 815-323-1840 Your Trusted Family Jeweler Since 1921

Offers The Following In-Store Services: • Free Jewelry Cleaning & Diamond Inspection • Expert Jewelry Repair • Watch Battery Installation • Jewelry Appraisals • Lifetime Trade-Up on Your Diamond Jewelry • Buying Gold, Silver & Pre-Owned Jewelry

www.lueckejewelers.com

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

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

Flu-Fighting Tips To Keep You & Others Healthy Sniffles, sore throat, fever, & aches & pains may accompany a number of illnesses, but during the wintertime such symptoms are typically indicative of influenza. Throughout much of North America, flu season peaks between December & February. But flu season can occur anywhere from October to March, advises the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. The flu is contagious & can sideline people for extended periods of time. The CDC says that each year one in five Americans gets the flu.

Taking steps to fend off the flu can help men and women and the people they routinely come in contact with.

Foods - Food can be used to fend of the flu. Common foods that many people already have in their pantries can be powerful flu-fighters. Garlic, for example, contains compounds that have direct antiviral effects & may help destroy the flu before it affects the body. Raw garlic is best. In addition to garlic, citrus fruits, ginger, yogurt, & dark leafy greens can boost immunity & fight the flu, according to Mother Nature’s Network. The British Journal of Nutrition notes that dark chocolate supports T-helper cells, which increase the immune system’s ability to defend against infection. A study published in the American Journal of Therapeutics showed that carnosine, a compound found in chicken soup, can help strengthen the body’s immune system and help fight off the flu in its early stages.

Flu shot & medications - Annual flu shots administered in advance of flu season can help protect people & their families from getting the flu. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration says that, in select situations, antiviral medications - which are usually prescribed to treat the flu & lessen symptoms - can reduce the chance of illness in people exposed to influenza. Many over-the-counter medicines can alleviate symptoms of the flu, but cannot fend it off.

Stop germ proliferation - Germs can be spread easily between persons through direct contact & indirect contact with surfaces sick individuals have touched. Doctors recommend staying home for at least 24 hours after a flu-induced fever has dissipated. Well individuals should avoid contact with sick people. Frequent handwashing with soap & water can stop germs from spreading. When soap & water is not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can help. People also should avoid touching their eyes, noses & mouths after being in public places or around someone who is ill.

Rest & restore - Those who feel symptoms coming on should begin drinking more liquids to keep the respiratory system hydrated & make mucus less viscous. Remember to get adequate sleep, as a tired body cannot effectively fight the flu virus.

People of all ages should take steps to protect themselves from the flu.

Boone County Warming Centers Salvation Army - 422 S. Main Street, Belvidere, Monday - Friday 9:00 - 11:45 AM, 1:00 - 5:00 PM Belvidere Public Safety Building - 615 N. Main Street, Belvidere, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Belvidere Oasis/Illinois Tollway - East of Belvidere Toll Plaza on I-90, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Heritage Woods of Belvidere - 4730 Squaw Prairie Rd., Belvidere, open daily until 8:00 PM, after 8:00 PM please use doorbell for entry.

FURNITURE

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

Our Family Is Here For Yours.

Our mission is to celebrate one’s life and help families navigate the journey of loss with a sense of hope. One of the most painful events we experience in life is the loss of a loved one. We believe that finding an appropriate and meaningful way to celebrate your loved one’s life while giving thanks to God for their life is the necessary foundation to healing. - Stephen Anderson

218 W. Hurlbut Ave. Belvidere 815-544-2616 www.AndersonFCS.com

Whether you call it a funeral service, memorial service, or commemoration service. Whether you choose burial or cremation, whether your budget is large or small. Whether you invite friends and community, or journey simply with your closest family members. We will help you design a unique and special ceremony.

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January 3, 2019

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

Advice For Novice Or Experienced Blood Donors Unlike other marvels of modern medicine, quality blood is an important health component that cannot be created synthetically. Blood shortages continue to plague medical establishments across the globe. For those who require transfusions, blood from volunteer donors can be the difference between life & death. However, many people are apprehensive about donating blood because of their own unique fears of the unknown or from past poor experiences with the process. With a little knowledge & some preparation, donating blood can be made much easier.

Confirming donors’ health: One of the first steps to donating blood is to determine donors’ eligibility. Potential donors undergo a short health screening & are asked various questions to determine their eligibility. The presence of certain illnesses or other disqualifications helps ensure that the blood will be healthy & that the blood drawn will not have a negative effect on the donor.

4730 Squaw Prairie Rd., Belvidere

815-544-9495 An Affordable Assisted Lifestyle Community for the Older Adult

Managed by Gardant Management Solutions

WISHING EVERYONE A

BUCHANAN

The American Red Cross states that potential donors will undergo a pin prick on the finger to test for iron levels in their blood. This is to ensure that donors will not be made anemic from giving blood.

STREET PUB

111 BUCHANAN ST., BELVIDERE 815-547-1012

Frequency of donation, weight & age also will be considered before prospective donors are allowed to donate blood. Many organizations urge prospective donors to avoid giving blood if they have had simple dental work done within 24 hours or major dental work in the past month. Dental work in general can dislodge bacteria, which can get into the blood stream & cause systemic infection.

Preparing to donate: Potential donors are urged to eat a healthy diet full of iron-rich foods. It is advisable to drink an extra 16 ounces of water or a nonalcoholic fluid prior to donating. A healthy, low-fat meal prior to donating also is recommended, as the Red Cross says fatty foods can adversely affect blood tests that check for infectious diseases, & the blood may not be used as a result.

www.hw-belvidere-slf.com

SUN-TUES 11 AM-2 AM WED-THURS 7 AM-2 AM FRI-SAT 6 AM-2 AM

SLOTS ARE IN THE HOUSE

Needles are no big deal: According to Justin Kreuter, MD, medical director of the Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Center in Rochester, Minnesota, while the needles used to collect blood are slightly larger than those used for immunizations at the doctor’s office, the needles have silicone on them to make the process of donating more comfortable for donors.

Donation duration: Donating blood does not take a long time. It may take between 15 & 20 minutes for donation center workers to extract blood. Donating plasma or platelets may require more time. Allocate at least an hour to undergo the medical exam & to rest after the donation.

Post-donation: Donors are urged to rest for a few minutes after the donating & to enjoy the snacks & beverages being offered. The Red Cross says people should avoid performing any heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for the rest of the day after donating. It’s also advisable to drink an extra four glasses of liquids & avoid alcohol during the day following a donation.

Donating blood can save lives & reassure donors that they’re doing their part to help others. The Rock River Valley Blood Center has donor center location in Belvidere at 1740 South State Street. The center is open Mondays & Tuesday 9 AM - 5 PM, Wednesdays & Thursdays 11 AM - 6 PM, Fridays 8 AM - 1 PM, and the second Saturday of each month 7 AM - 11 AM. For more information about donating call 815-965-8751 or 877RRVBC-99.

Keen Age Center Offers Health Information

Don’t Think About The End At The End. TWO GROUND FOR PRE-NEED BURIAL SPACES JUST

495

$ $

Highland Garden Of Memories 9800 Route 76 • Belvidere • 815-544-2750

Complete Service Of Cars & Light Trucks

Health Hints With Heidi: Local pharmacist, Heidi Olson, is providing services at the Keen Age Center on Tuesday Afternoons from 12 PM - 4 PM. Make an appointment to speak with a pharmacist for the following reasons: Learn more about your medications, ask questions about medications, learn about medical conditions, get a full review of your medications, talk about how to remember to take your medications & discuss medication side effect. You can sign up with the receptionist or call 815-544-9893 to sign up.

Nursing Students Offer Services To Promote Health: Senior nursing students attending Saint Anthony College of Nursing School will be visiting the Keen Age Center in 2019 as part of their community health nursing clinical experiences. They will provide services that will help visitors of the Keen Age Center prevent disease & promote health. The free services will include blood pressure & pulse readings, health-related education, helping visitors understand their medications & general visits. Nursing students will be at the Keen Age Center on Wednesdays - January 16th, January 23rd & 30th from 8 AM - 12 PM. Please stop by at 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere.

We Carry

See Our “Pros” For

• Brakes & Suspension • Wheel Alignment • Shocks & Struts • Air Conditioning

• New Tires • Roadside Tire Service • Small Engine Sales & Service

R. J. Daniels Fuel & Tire Fairgrounds Rd., Belvidere, IL 815-544-2118 8094Open Daily 7-5; Sat. 7-Noon

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 www.maplecrestcare.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 and respect. Our goal is to provide the necessary approach to facilitate a complete return to health and 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 www.northwoodscare.com

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January 3, 2019

DISPILL Medication Packaging System

We Offer A Worry-Free SelfMedication System To Prevent Your Loved One From Missing Medications Or Taking Too Much.

Filled Directly By Our Pharmacist, So There Are No Mistakes.

Your Co-Pay Is The Same Anywhere You Go. So Why Not Support Your Local Pharmacy?

• Competitive Pricing • Personalized Patient • We Accept All Major Insurance Consultations • Durable Medical Equipment & Medicaid/Medicare • Diabetic Shoes • User Friendly Packaging HOME HEALTH CARE DEPT. Support Stockings Braces/Splints Lift Chairs Bath Benches Wheelchairs Walkers Crutches & Canes Commodes Hospital Beds

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

Properly Pack A Car Emergency Kit After home & work, the next most common place people spend their time is in their vehicles. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety says the average American spends 17,600 minutes driving each year. Statistics Canada indicates that most of the Canadian population averages 1.2 hours per day behind the wheel.

Because they spend so much time behind the wheel, drivers need to be prepared for breakdowns. Packing an emergency kit in the car can help people make the best of such situations. A car emergency kit can help drivers get back on the road promptly. Without such kits, drivers may be stranded for hours after a breakdown.

Emergency kits also come in handy during weather-related events that can sideline cars until roads become passable.

WH O NEEDS A DRI V E-TH RU WH EN WE

It is always wise to plan for the worst & hope for the best. The Department of Motor Vehicles & the Department of Homeland Security note that these key items should always be included in a car emergency kit: Durable bags or crates to store supplies; complete first aid kit; small fire extinguisher; jumper cables; rain ponchos; plastic tarp; flashlights & extra batteries; bottled water; small cache of nonperishable foods; wrench & pliers; local maps; rags; duct tape; multipurpose tool; ice scraper; automotive fluids; blankets/warm clothing; cat litter for slick roads; tire-changing equipment; spare tire; road flares or caution reflectors; empty, refillable gas canister; cash for gas; phone charger cable.

Delivery Available 6 Days A Week

In addition, cars & trucks should be regularly maintained to prevent breakdowns. This includes ensuring all fluids are at proper levels, filters are changed, batteries are in good working order, & tires are inflated correctly.

Investing in a roadside assistance service also can help get drivers back on the road quickly.

DELIVER!

Monday - Saturday

O’Brien’s Pharmacy 216 S. State St., Belvidere • 815-544-3433 Pharmacy Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am - 7 pm; Saturday 9 am - 4 pm; Sunday 9 am - 1 pm

Belvidere Family

YMCA

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

815-547-5307

• Programs Recommended By Arthritis Foundation • Silver Sneakers & Enhance Fitness • Gymnasium & 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

220 West Locust, Belvidere, IL 61008 www.belviderefamilyymca.org

Be Comfortable In Your Home!

• 24/7 Emergency Service • Service & Installation Of All Makes & Models • Free Estimates On New Equipment Installations • Clean & Check Specials • Air Duct Cleaning • Financing Available • Utility Rebates • Seasonal Specials • 10% SENIOR DISCOUNT

Serving Boone, Winnebago & Surrounding Counties

815-298-8020 www.allenheatcool.com

Veterans Assistance Commission Of Boone County The Veterans’ Assistance Commission provides needed services exclusively to Boone County Honorably Discharged Military Veterans & their families. We work with local Veterans’ Service Organizations as well as local, state & federal agencies, to ensure your rights.

Services include: Interim and/or emergency veterans’ (financial) assistance, emotional support services, administrative case work, transition center services & VA medical-related transportation services.

Please Call For An Appt. 815-544-6464 130 S. State St., Suite 212, Belvidere www.VACBC.org Email: VACBoone@VACBC.org

This Month’s Healthy Recipe Spinach & Seafood Soup Nutrition Facts Recipe Provided By The U of I Extension Office

Ingredients 6 cups fat-free chicken broth 12 oz. skinless fish fillet (sole or flounder) 1 cup water 1 T. soy sauce 8 oz. tiny cooked shrimp 1/2 T. minced ginger

1 cup peeled, sliced cucumber 1/2 T. minced garlic 8 oz. sliced mushrooms 1-1/2 oz. spaghetti 1/4 cup chopped green onions 4 cups chopped spinach leaves

Directions 1. Heat broth, water, soy sauce, ginger & garlic to boiling in large pan.

2 Break pasta into 1-inch pieces & add to broth mixture; reduce heat & simmer until pasta is done, about 4 minutes.

3. Slice fish into 1/2 inch cubes. Add shrimp, fish, cucumber, mushrooms & green onions to broth; simmer until fish flakes with a fork about 2 minutes.

4. Stir in spinach. Serve hot.

Servings Per Recipe: 10 1-Cup Servings Amount Per Serving: Calories 73 Total Fat 1g Cholesterol 42 mg Sodium 796mg Carbohydrates 6g Dietary Fiber 1g Protein 11g

Warm Up With The Perfect Cup Of Tea As the weather turns colder, many people reach for a cup of tea to chase away a chill.

The story of tea can be traced back to China. Legend states that the Chinese emperor Shen Nung was sitting beneath a Camellia sinensis tree while a servant was boiling water. Some of the leaves fell into the water, & tea was born.

There are many ways to brew a cup of tea, including some that are very timeconsuming. Those without much time but a love for tea can try some efficient methods to ensure every drop of tea is as delicious as the first, which involves choosing the right tea & steeping those leaves properly. A cup of tea naturally starts with tea leaves & water. The experts at The Republic of Tea, purveyors of quality tea, suggest using fresh, filtered spring or bottled water for the cleanest taste. The next steps, which involve water temperature & steep time, are specific to the type of tea used. White or green tea leaves will be more delicate & should be handled with care. Brief steeping periods of 2-3 minutes for whole tea leaves with water that has just reached a boil are advised. Heartier teas, such as black & oolong, can benefit from hotter water & longer steeping times, roughly 5-7 minutes. Over-steeping the tea can result in tea that is bitter.

The next step is to handle the water properly. Always pour hot water over the tea bag or loose tea infuser directly into the cup or ceramic teapot for the most flavor. Do not put the tea into a cup already filled with water. Avoid squeezing tea bags after steeping is finished, as this also contributes to bitterness. When the infuser is fully submerged, cover the cup with a small saucer during the entire steeping process so that the water retains as much heat as possible, advise tea experts. Remove the tea promptly when you finish steeping.

Tea drinkers have their own unique tastes. When adding milk, lemon, honey, or sugar, do so sparingly so that the true flavor of the tea still shines through. Quality tea can be purchased at the supermarket or at mom & pop tea stores, which have become increasingly popular in recent years. Merchants can advise about particular flavor blends & offer their own tips for the perfect cup of tea.

The care patients have come to choose and trust.

Two, convenient Boone County locations Belvidere Physical Therapy 1686 Henry Luckow Lane 815-547-4777 Orthopedic and Sports

Poplar Grove Physical Therapy 13524 Julie Drive 815-765-1155

Therapy Institute

Orthopedic • Sports • Industrial Rehabilitation Complimentary injury screens I ostipt.com

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January 3, 2019

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

Let It Glow At Doty Park Let It Glow all around the ice rink as you skate under the stars. After a few laps around the rink, come into the AJ Johnson Pavilion to warm up with a hot cocoa. All participants will receive a wristband for a skate rental, access to the ice rink, one hot cocoa, and a glow set including: Necklace, bracelet & glow stick. Register by January 17th for a $3 discount at Rivers Edge Recreation Center or Riverside Ice Arena. You can register the day of at Riverside Ice Arena for $9. This special skate will be Friday, January 18th, from 6 PM - 8 PM at Riverside Ice Arena, Doty Park.

The skate is open to all ages and would be a great activity to enjoy with the grandkids.

Forms & Tax Documents

Article provided by the Keen Age Center Toward the end of January or beginning of February you may receive many documents for tax purposes. Even if you do not file taxes you still need to keep these important documents. Some of the forms may be 1099’s from Social Security or any other source of income, bank statements, interest & dividends. Please keep all information that states it is for tax purposes, even if you do not file taxes as they may be used to apply for programs & services.

1701 5th Avenue, Belvidere, IL 61008

Barr’s Flowers 119 S. State St. 815-544-3141 Belvidere’s Only Complete Florist Seasonal Giftware, Purses & Scarves, Greeting Cards, Truffles & More!

One of the forms you will receive will be a 1095 A, B or C. These forms are sent to you to proved that you had credible insurance coverage for the pervious year. 1095 A will be issued to those who had insurance through the Affordable Care Act, or Marketplace. 1095 B will be issued to those with Medicare or other minimum essential healthcare coverage. 1095 C will be issued to those who are covered by an employer with 50 or more people.

Please keep these documents for your records. They do not need to be sent in with your taxes.

Family Owned & Operated Same Day Delivery Available Monday-Saturday! www.barrsflowers.com Proud member of the teleflora network

The Facts About Glaucoma When one’s vision is compromised, his or her whole life can change in the blink of an eye. Many conditions can affect a person’s vision, and one of the more common is glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness across the globe.

The global impact of glaucoma is significant. The World Health Organization estimates that 4.5 million people are blind due to glaucoma. In addition, the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness notes that some estimates have suggested that there will be approximately 80 million people with glaucoma by 2020. If such estimates prove true, that would mean an additional 20 million cases of glaucoma were diagnosed between 2010 & 2020. Vision loss is often associated with glaucoma. However, the National Eye Institute notes that early detection & treatment can protect the eyes against serious vision loss.

What is glaucoma? Glaucoma is a term used to describe a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve.

When such damage occurs, vision loss & even blindness can result.

What is the optic nerve & why does it matter? The NEI notes that the optic nerve is a bundle of more than one million nerve fibers that connects the retina to the brain. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that contains cells which are sensitive to light. These cells trigger nerve impulses that pass via the optic nerve to the brain, where visual images are then formed. Because its role is so significant, the optic nerve must be healthy for good vision.

©

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(Includes Engraving)

BCelvidere emetery Association

Frank Lloyd Wright Pettit Chapel 1121 N. Main, Belvidere 815-547-7642 Medicare & Most Insurance ACCEPTED

What are the most common types of glaucoma? According to the IAPB, primary open angle glaucoma, or POAG, & primary angle closure glaucoma, or PACG, are the most common types of the condition.

The Glaucoma Research Foundation says that POAG develops slowly & is the most common form of glaucoma & THE RIGHT CARE, is caused by the slow clogging of the drainage canals that produces increased pressure on the eye. PACG, which RIGHT AT H ME the GRF notes is quick to develop, results when the drainage canals are blocked, resulting in a sudden rise in • SLEEP THERAPY • SCOOTERS intraocular pressure.

• HOME OXYGEN • RAMPS • STAIR LIFTS What are the symptoms of glaucoma? Because POAG develops slowly, its symptoms often go unnoticed. • MOBILITY • POWER CHAIRS • BATH SAFETY Symptoms of PACG, however, are often very noticeable & may include severe & sudden eye pain; blurred vision; Locally Owned & Operated bright halos appearing around objects; eye redness, tenderness, & hardness; & nausea & vomiting.

Can glaucoma be treated? While there is no cure for glaucoma & vision lost to it cannot be restored, the NEI notes that treatment for early-stage POAG can effectively delay progression of the disease. More information about glaucoma is available at www.nei.nih.gov.

Since 1988

5027 Harrison Ave. Rockford, IL

2020 Sutler Ave. Beloit, WI

815-965-9454 608-313-0800 M-F 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM • integratedhc.com

Her first car.

Their college savings fund.

Your retirement.

Life moves fast.

We’ll be there every step of the way.

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