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Physical Symptoms Of Breast Cancer
The World Cancer Research Fund International reports that breast cancer is the second most common cancer across the globe, & the number one cancer in women. Nearly three million new cases of breast cancer in women are diagnosed across the globe each year.
Breast cancer poses a notable threat to women’s health, but research & resulting advancements in treatment have made the disease more treatable than ever. Women also can play a part in ensuring better outcomes in relation to breast cancer by educating themselves about the disease, including its warning signs. The MD Anderson Cancer Center notes that most changes to the breast are a byproduct of hormonal cycles or conditions that are not as formidable as breast cancer. So women should not jump to any conclusions when spotting such changes. However, women should visit their physicians if they notice any of the following signs & symptoms:
• Lump: The MDACC notes that a lump in the breast or armpit is the most common symptom of breast cancer. Echoing assertions made by the MDACC, the American Cancer Society notes that most breast lumps are not cancerous. The ACS indicates a lump that is a painless, hard mass with irregular edges is more likely to be cancer, though cancerous lumps also can be soft, round, tender, or even painful. The lack of uniformity regarding cancerous lumps is one reason why it pays for women to be extra cautious & immediately report any abnormalities in the shape & feel of their breasts to their physicians.
• Swelling: The ACS notes that some women with breast cancer will experience swelling of all or part of a breast even if they do not feel a lump.
• Dimpling: The MDACC reports that women with breast cancer may notice dimpling or puckering on the breast. According to the ACS, the dimpling can sometimes make the breast look like an orange peel.
• Nipple retraction: This occurs when a nipple turns inward into or lies flat against the breast. Though nipple retraction can be a sign of breast cancer, that’s not necessarily the case for all women. Some women experience nipple retraction due to aging, breastfeeding, injury, infection, surgery, or certain conditions of the breast.
• Changes to the skin around the breast: The ACS notes some women with breast cancer experience redness on the skin around the breast or on the nipple. Additional changes may include dry, flaking or thickened skin around the breast & nipple.
• Discharge from the nipple: The Mayo Clinic notes that it’s normal to experience discharge from the nipple while pregnant & during breastfeeding. However, fluid coming out the nipple when a woman is not pregnant or breastfeeding could be a symptom of breast cancer.
• Additional symptoms: The MDACC notes scaliness on the nipple that sometimes extends to the areola is another warning sign of breast cancer. The ACS also reports that swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collar bone can indicate that breast cancer has spread even before the original tumor in the breast has been felt. Breast cancer is a formidable yet treatable disease. Women who recognize any signs & symptoms associated with breast cancer are urged to contact their physicians immediately. A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE
Screening Saves Lives
UW Health Belvidere Hospital, 1625 S. State Street offers walk-in hours for mammograms Monday-Friday, 7 AM - 2 PM. Please note it must be at least one year since your last mammogram. The front desk will ask you for insurance information or will provide you with the health department’s contact information. Screening mammograms are the main test to screen for breast cancer in women who have no known breast problems. Get your screening annually. For more information about a screening mammogram call 815-547-5441.
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Illinois Community Care Program (CCP)
Submitted By: Kelly Hillan, Exec. Director of The Keen Age Center
The Boone County Council on Aging is pleased to be a part of the Illinois Community Care Program (CCP), providing non-medical in-home care for older adults. An exciting addition to CCP is the potential to receive services through the Preferred Worker Program. The program is an innovative initiative designed to enhance the quality of care for older adults while allowing them to maintain their independence in their own homes.
Illinois Community Care Preferred Worker Program
Family-Centered Care: The program allows older adults to choose a family member, such as a child or in-law, to act as their Homecare Aide. This flexibility fosters trust & comfort, making it easier to receive personal care.
Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for the Community Care Program & Preferred Worker Program, individuals must meet certain criteria:
- Be 60 years or older.
- Reside in Illinois.
- Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
- Have non-exempt assets of $17,500 or less.
- Have a demonstrated need for long-term care, - Apply for and, if eligible, enroll in Medicaid. assessed through the Determination of Need (DON) assessment.
Benefits of the Program
Comprehensive Training: Family members chosen as preferred workers must undergo training to ensure they can provide safe & effective care.
Support for Caregivers: The program not only focuses on the needs of older adults but also offers resources & support for family caregivers. This includes access to training, information on caregiving best practices, & guidance on how to navigate the caregiving experience.
Cost-Effectiveness: By allowing family members to take on the caregiving role, the Preferred Worker Program can provide an affordable alternative to traditional home care services, reducing the financial burden on families.
Increased Comfort & Trust: Many older adults feel more secure & at ease when receiving care from family members, which can lead to improved mental and emotional well-being.
Enhanced Independence: By providing the support needed for daily tasks, the program enables older adults to continue living in their homes, preserving their independence for as long as possible.
Family Involvement: Involving family members in caregiving strengthens family bonds & promotes a collaborative approach to care.
How to Get Started: BCCA provides information on eligibility, the application process, & resources available for both clients & caregivers. For older adults interested in utilizing the traditional CCP services or Preferred Worker Program, the first step is to contact the CCP Supervisor, Amber, at 815- 544-9893.
October Is Home Fire Safety Month
October is Fire Prevention Month, a time to focus on fire prevention & safety at home. There are several simple things you can do to lessen the chance of a home fire & increase safety:
• Install & maintain smoke alarms. Make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home.
• Practice cooking safety. Never leave cooking unattended & always have a lid or cookie sheet nearby to smother small flames.
• Use heating equipment safely. Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heating devices & always plug space heaters directly into the wall - never use extension cords.
• Create & practice a home fire escape plan. Make sure every family member knows at least two ways out of every room.
• Consider candle alternatives. Battery-operated candles reduce fire risk, but if you use real candles, always blow them out before leaving the room.
Friends of Ida Public Library
Who are the friends of Ida? They are a support group offering assistance for ongoing library activities such as the summer reading & computer programs for children & young adults. They honor employees with a Staff Appreciation Lunch & have provided amenities such as wall pictures & meeting room equipment. They occasionally give direct financial support to the library with periodic, unspecified donations. Through these gifts, the Friends have made many contributions to the library’s collections of books, audio & video tapes, software & many other items. Membership Fees: Individual $5, Family $10, Associate $25, Sustaining $50 & Patron $100. Membership forms are available at the upstairs circulation desk in the library at 320 N. State St., Belvidere. The Friends are gearing up for their Fall Book Sale: Nov. 6th (Friends members only) 5-7:30 PM, then open to the public Nov. 7th, 10 AM - 7:30 PM, Nov. 8th & 9th, 10 AM - 4:30 PM. Book donations are being accepted for the sale in the lower level of the library.
The Nutritional Benefits Of Spinach
There is a lot to be said about spinach, a nutritional powerhouse that benefits the body in myriad ways. In fact, the many advantages of eating spinach have earned this leafy green a vaunted status among nutritionists. Spinach is low in calories & high in vitamins & minerals. It’s also a low-fat source of nutrition. The Cleveland Clinic says spinach comes in at only 23 calories for two-thirds of a cup (100 grams). Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why spinach is a great addition to any plate.
• Spinach contains vitamin K, vitamin A, folate, manganese, vitamin C, magnesium, riboflavin, iron, vitamin E, copper, potassium, & vitamin B6.
• Eating foods that are rich in potassium can help lower blood pressure. Spinach is one such food.
• Spinach is an excellent source of lutein, an antioxidant that is known to protect against age-related diseases like cataracts & macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of vision impairment & blindness.
• Spinach promotes strong bones. The leafy green contains calcium that benefits the bones & teeth. PharmaEasy suggests pairing spinach with foods rich in vitamin C to assist with the absorption of calcium.
• You may benefit from an energy boost by eating spinach. That’s because spinach contains iron, which the body needs to utilize energy efficiently.
• The vitamin A in spinach is used by the body to grow tissue like the skin. WebMD says spinach can help the skin stay hydrated, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles & fine lines.
• Since spinach is low in calories, you can fill up on it & reduce your risk of overeating less healthy foods. Spinach leaves also are a more nutritious alternative in salads than some lettuces.
While eating spinach regularly is beneficial to overall health, it is notable that the way it is produced & packaged can lead to certain medical issues. Like many other leafy greens, spinach can be contaminated with E. coli that can cause foodborne illnesses. Cooking spinach is the best way to prevent illness. If serving spinach raw, it should be washed thoroughly prior to consumption.
Crustless Spinach Quiche
The Benefits Of Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is a form of complementary medicine in which a licensed chiropractic doctor uses his or her hands as well as certain machinery to manipulate joints in the body. Subluxation is a term used in chiropractic medicine that refers to the misalignment of vertebrae or joints. Subluxation can occur from injury, repetitive motion or certain medical issues, says Verywell Health. When joints do not work properly, range of motion can be compromised & chronic pain may present in the joint or elsewhere in the body.
Chiropractic care can be instrumental in helping a person feel better without having to take pain medications. Chiropractors can treat musculoskeletal pain anywhere in the body. Adjustments can gently realign joints to decrease pain & increase range of motion. Soft-tissue therapy may be used to relax tight muscles & relieve spasms. Chiropractors may advise as to exercises & stretches that can maintain joint stability & mobility. Chiropractic treatment also may decrease tension & boost blood circulation, which could help reduce stressful feelings in the body. Similarly, such treatment may alleviate tension headaches & migraines by realigning the joints in the neck & back that may be contributing to the headaches.
Healthline reports a possible reduction of osteoarthritis symptoms from chiropractic care as well. When joints are properly aligned, it will reduce how much bones rub together.
One of the more profound benefits of chiropractic adjustment is the potential to reduce reliance on opioid drugs prescribed to relieve pain. Because of the efficacy of opioids, people can easily find themselves addicted to them. The National Institute on Drug Abuse says more than 106,000 drug overdose deaths were reported in 2021, & synthetic opioid deaths (primarily fentanyl) continue to rise, advises the NIDA.
Chiropractic care can help people live fuller lives without pain. Individuals with remaining questions can speak with their doctors about chiropractic medicine.
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Oops, They Did It Again...Medicare & Your Medications
Article Submitted By: Yvonne “Chevy” Peterson - Medicare 411
This year we are seeing dramatic changes in the way Medicare & your insurance companies will cover your medications. For some the changes will be delightful, for others a bit underwhelming & for others, especially if you weren’t expecting it, well...they may be shocking unwelcome results!
Why so many changes? The Inflation Reduction Act that was signed in 2022 covers a wide scope of changes from energy to healthcare, but let’s stick to healthcare, in fact let’s stick to Medicare. In 2023 insulin dropped to a $35 co-pay for Medicare recipients. This was truly lifesaving! Prior to that, costs were high for this necessary medication & people who had to choose between rent, food or medication often chose the food & shelter resulting in higher hospitalization rates, additional healthcare issues & in some cases, death. In 2024 once someone hits the catastrophic phase they no longer have co-pays but next year will be a sweeping change that will affect about 95% of the plans. In 2025 no one on Medicare will have to pay more than $2K for their medications per/year. Sounds great, right? Well, it is for those that are spending that or more, currently there are people spending as much as $3,700 before they max out.
So, what happens to that extra $1,700? It doesn’t evaporate into the atmosphere. It will have an impact on both Personal Drug Plans (PDP) & Advantage Plans. When it comes to PDP plans, we’re seeing higher premiums, deductibles and co-pays, along with smaller formularies. Some companies are going to have only one plan & without the insured instigating a move the insurance company will automatically move all current clients to that plan, often with a MUCH higher premium, sometimes five times as much! Advantage Plans on the other hand, have the ability to spread the pain out. The last few years Annual Enrollment has been like Christmas, Santa opening his bag & bringing out all manor of shiny & bright new benefits. This year the Grinch aka the Inflation Reduction Act is causing a pullback; reductions in Over-the-counter, slightly higher co-pays, higher max-out-ofpocket & other adjustments to recoup that $1,700.
What can you do to be prepared? Meet with a Medicare Specialist. What should you expect at that meeting? Questions about your medications, your doctors, who is your dentist, do you wear glasses or contacts? Are you in need of hearing aids? Do you get help from the State? Do you have a serious illness that may qualify you for a special plan? This is the kind of information that is needed to find a personalized plan for YOU! A fter spending the last two weeks running reviews for my clients I’m seeing big changes. The need to switch plans to have medications covered is real.
Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), starts October 15th & ends December 7th. If you want to be prepared for the 2025 changes, meet with a Medicare Specialist. If you currently don’t have one, reach out to me at 815-414-9044. Reviews are FREE!
Tips To Make A Home Less Vulnerable To Criminals
Property crimes are perhaps more common than people may realize. Data from the Council on Criminal Justice indicates residential burglaries declined by 26% in 2023 compared to 2019. However, the FBI indicates there were nearly seven million property-related crimes committed in 2019, which means there were still more than five million such crimes committed in 2023. Homeowners recognize the importance of protecting themselves, their loved ones & their valuables. Locking doors at night is one measure of protection anyone can employ, but there’s a host of additional steps individuals can take to make their homes less vulnerable to criminals.
• Embrace some simple solutions. Utilize simple security devices such as padlocks, door & window locks, grates, bars, & bolts. These devices may not prevent burglars from entering a home, but they can increase the amount of time it takes criminals to gain access. That can be enough to discourage criminals & also provide extra time for homeowners & neighbors to see & report suspicious individuals lurking around homes.
• Periodically assess existing security devices. Locks, security cameras & additional devices are effective deterrents, but only if they’re working properly. It’s easy to overlook security devices, but routine inspections can ensure they continue to serve as a security blanket between residents & criminals.
• Install a burglar alarm. Burglar alarms can be effective deterrents & even help homeowners save money on their insurance policies. The Electronic Security Assoc. estimates that home alarm systems can save homeowners as much as 20% on their insurance policies. Such savings can offset the cost to purchase & install burglar alarms. A study from researchers at the University of No. Carolina, Charlotte examining the habits of burglars found that 60% decided against burglarizing properties they learned had burglar alarms.
• Trim privacy trees & shrubs around the perimeter of your home. They can make it harder for passersby to see into a home from a nearby street or sidewalk. However, they can also provide hiding space for criminals looking to gain access to a property. Routinely trim trees & shrubs near doors & windows.
• Light up the outside. Exterior lighting is popular among homeowners for its aesthetic appeal. But lights around walkways & throughout a landscape also illuminate the exterior of a home, making it harder for criminals to get around without being seen. Spotlights & motion-detection lights can alert homeowners if someone is outside, & such lighting also can make it easier to spot criminals on exterior cameras, which can deter burglars. There’s no shortage of ways for homeowners to make their properties less vulnerable to criminals.
Family Pictures & More
The Funderburg House, 605 N. State Street, Belvidere