Boone County Shopper Senior Living December 2022

Page 4

December 1, 2022

December

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

Join The Fun At These Area Holiday Events Hometown Christmas will be Friday, December 2nd in Downtown Belvidere. Hometown Christmas is an annual holiday celebration in Belvidere. Hosted by the Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce, the event takes place on the First Friday in December and includes the tree lighting ceremony, a live nativity scene from Immanuel Lutheran Church, horse drawn carriage rides, an outdoor Christmas movie & much more! For more information visit www.BelvidereChamber.com or call 815-544-4357.

The Belvidere Park District will host the Light Up The Night Parade on December 2nd at 5:30 PM. Welcome Santa to the Hometown Christmas evening celebration and enjoy the festive lighted parade. Friday evening will also kick off the Holiday Lights Display in the Park. Drive thru all the light displays sponsored by area organizations and businesses. The Holiday Lights will be open every evening through December 31st.

Riverside Ice Arena opens Friday, December 2nd and is located within Doty Park at 365 W. Locust Street near downtown Belvidere and sits along the Kishwaukee River. The Ice Rink offers public skate times and skating and hockey lessons for all ages. Daily admission for adults $5, skate rental $5. Public skate times are MondayThursday 4-6 PM; Friday 4-9 PM; Saturday & Sunday, Noon-7 PM. Many families in need will benefit from the beautiful Hometown Christmas Tree Giving. The Christmas trees will be on display during Hometown Christmas. If you would like to view the trees with less people you may view them more privately on Thursday, December 1st, from 8 AM - 3 PM; and Saturday, December 3rd, from 9 AM 12 Noon. The Community Building Complex is located at 111 W. First Street. For more information call 815-5473928.

Join the Annual Winter Holiday Walk at the Boone County Conservation District located at 1121 N. Appleton Road, Belvidere. The walk will take place on Saturday, December 3rd, 5-8 PM. Admission is free but you must register. Gates open at 5 PM and last entry will be at 7:15 PM. Event is all outdoors so dress appropriately.

Food will be available for purchase but is cash only. Donations to the Conservation District are cheerfully accepted. For more information or to register visit bccdil.org or call 815-547-7935.

The Ice Hogs are back with a Live Practice at Riverside Ice Arena December 5th at 6 PM. Stop down to view the live practice and take part in a Meet & Greet, plus bring nonperishable food items for the food drive to benefit our local food pantries. For more information call 815-547-5711.

The CDC Recommends An Annual Flu Shot Public health agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advocate for annual flu shots as an effective way to avoid potentially serious complications that can arise when individuals get the influenza virus.

But why the need for annual vaccinations? According to the CDC, flu viruses are constantly changing, so a vaccination that might have been effective one year will not necessarily provide significant protection in the following year. In addition, the protection provided by the flu vaccine wanes over time, so people won’t necessarily be well fortified against the flu if they aren’t vaccinated each year. Researchers work to determine which flu viruses are likely to be common in a given year. The vaccinations administered in that year reflect that research and provide the greatest protection against the viruses that are likely to be circulating throughout flu season.

For more information about the flu shot, current flu clinics and other immunizations call the Boone County Health Department at 815-544-2951.

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December 1, 2022

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

Tricks To Trim Your Utility Bill A rapid rise in the cost of living will undoubtedly prove to be one of the major stories of 2022. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, energy prices rose by 41.6% in the 12-month period that ended in June 2022, marking the highest 12-month increase since April 1980.

The significant spike in energy costs is somewhat misleading, as the BLS considers motor fuel prices, which rose more than 60% in the 12-month period ending in June 2022, part of the energy category. However, during that same period, electricity prices rose by nearly 14% while natural gas prices increased by 38%. Both of those increases were more significant than the more publicized rise in food prices, which rose by right around 10%.

There are ways for individuals to reduce home energy costs without adversely affecting their quality of life.

• Run appliances during off-peak hours. According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy & the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the best time to use appliances in a home is when overall electricity use is low. Though this time changes depending on the season & can vary based on geography, the DOE & the EPA both note that after 9 PM & before 9 AM. are generally the off-peak hours in most areas.

• Strategically use your shades & blinds. The energy providers at ConEd estimate that about 40% of unwanted heat comes through windows. Strategic use of curtains, shades & blinds can keep heat out on hot days, thus allowing homeowners to turn the thermostat up on their air conditioning units in summer. Opening curtains, blinds & shades on winter mornings & afternoons will allow more sunlight in, allowing homeowners to control heating costs more effectively.

• Reorganize your refrigerator. There are plenty of contradictory strategies regarding how best to store foods in a refrigerator so the unit consumes as little energy as possible while still keeping foods fresh & chilled. But various energy providers, including ConEd, recommend that consumers avoid packing a fridge too tightly. By allowing cold air to circulate within the refrigerator, the refrigerator won’t need to work as hard, & thus consume as much energy, to keep foods cool. It’s important to note that the opposite should govern how the freezer is packed. Packing frozen items tightly in the freezer will help the refrigerator work a little less hard.

• Turn off the lights. Estimates from the U.S. Energy Information Administration indicate that electricity for lighting accounts for around 10% of electricity consumption in homes. A concerted effort to turn off lights in rooms that aren’t being used can help consumers save money.

Rising utility bills are compelling millions of people to seek ways to trim their energy consumption. Thankfully, there are many ways to do that without upsetting daily routines.

New Year’s Resolutions For Seniors Resolutions can be made at any age. Seniors may feel that they are past the point in life where trying something new or setting goals is relevant to them but it’s never too late in life to have aspirations big or small. The golden years may be different from any other period in a person’s life, but seniors can still embrace making positive changes. In fact people who view life with a sense of purpose are two to four times less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. The following are some potential resolutions for seniors.

• Focus on safety. Aging sparks certain changes to the body & mind. Recognizing that you can’t do all of the things you did when you were younger doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to improve upon those things you can do, especially if you make some safety-minded tweaks. Resolve to improve home safety, such as removing tripping hazards, installing grab bars, checking smoke alarms, & installing a security system.

• Find new & enjoyable workouts. The exercise routines you engaged in just a few years ago may no longer suit your physical abilities or interests. Investigate new fitness regimens or methods of movement. Yoga, water aerobics, walking clubs, & more can be incorporated into your daily habits. These programs are offered at the Belvidere Family YMCA, call 815-547-5307 for program information.

• Organize medical records. Seeing health pictured systematically & clearly can help you stay on top of appointments & wellness measures. There are many different organizing systems to embrace; find one that works for your needs.

• Declutter your home. Resolve to get rid of extraneous items that are no longer serving a purpose beyond collecting dust. Having more room to move around can be safer, particularly if you need a cane or another assistive device, & there will be less to clean if you remove some clutter. If you plan to downsize soon, clearing clutter can make the move easier.

• Learn something new. A language, skill, or hobby are all within reach when you map out the steps to achieving your goal.

• Make new social connections. Caring Places senior communities indicates socially active older adults have better cognition & lower risks for depression than those who do not consistently reach out to friends. Aspire to make some new companions or to get back in touch with those you haven’t spoken to in some time. Consider spending some time & meeting friends at the Keen Age Center, 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere.

Tired of those ads telling you to call & check your zip code for your Medicare Insurance?

YOU SHOULD BE! Why 800 when you can 815? I’m your LOCAL Medicare professional, contracted with over a dozen companies to help you get the MOST benefits at the best price.

Annual Enrollment Ends Dec. 7th

Call For Your FREE Review!

Yvonne “Chevy” Peterson 815-414-9044 yvonne@medicare411co.com yvonnepeterson.medicare411co.com AARP, Aetna, Bankers Fidelity Life, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, Lumico, Mutual of Omaha, Quartz, Silverscript, United Healthcare, Wellcare, WPS & more

YVONNE

“Chevy”

Our goal is to maximize quality of life, so you can enjoy time with those who mean the most to you.

Free Consultation • Wills • Trusts • Probate • Real Estate John H. Maville Attorney At Law 815-544-3165 www.mavillelaw.com Suite 307, 600 S. State, Belvidere

Complete Service Of Cars & Light Trucks

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

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December 1, 2022

An Affordable Assisted Lifestyle Community for the Older Adult.

Testimonial & Poem by Shirley M. My family is really at ease, knowing I am in a safe and secure place. They no longer have to worry about mom, they know she is alright. If there is a problem, they also know it will be taken care of.

They all feel better. Here’s a poem I wrote about supportive living:

A- Affordable B- Beautiful property C- Clean D- Daffodil in blossom E- Everything is neat F- Food is great G- Glamorous flowers H- Hallways are wide I- Ideal conditions J- Jealousy is not here K- Kindness is here L- Label names by door M- Magazines are available

N- Napping is available O- Oatmeal is available P- Pizza is wonderful Q- Quiet is nice R- Racket is seldom S- Safety first T- Tablecloths are for holidays U- Uncover food dish V- Varied are the food items W- Waffles bar for breakfast X- Xylophones not needed Y- Yoga is here Z- Zippy is to hurry

The Impact Of Reading On Personal Health

Shirley M. Resident

4730 Squaw Prairie Rd. Belvidere

815-544-9495 www.hw-belvidere-slf.com Managed by Gardant Management Solutions

YMCA

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

ONSITE AMENITIES: Private One Bedroom Apartment, Three RestaurantStyle Meals Daily, Housekeeping & Laundry Services, 24 Hour Staffing, Onsite Beauty/Barber Services, Emergency Call Devices, Ongoing Health Monitoring, Interesting & Varied Programs, Medication Reminders & Assistance

Belvidere Family

BOONE COUNTY

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

815-547-5307

• Programs Recommended By Arthritis Foundation • Fitness Center With Trained Staff • Fitness Classes Free With Membership • 85 Degree Swimming Pool • Adult Lap & Open Times Throughout The Day • Discounted And Subsidized Memberships • Silver Sneakers And Silver & Fit Accepted

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

Preserving Boone County’s Past For Our Future.

Books transport people to different times, provide a sense of escapism & introduce readers to different schools of thought. Individuals may read for pleasure and/or to expand their intellectual horizons. It’s important to note that reading also may help improve mental & physical health. With so much to gain from reading, now is a great time to embrace those book clubs, resolve to read more & explore how picking up a good book may be just what the doctor ordered.

Reduces stress - Immersing yourself in a story requires focus & concentration. According to researchers at the University of Sussex, it took just six minutes of reading for study participants to experience slower heart rates & reduced muscle tension. Stress is one of the biggest threats to overall health, as the stress hormone cortisol can lead to inflammation that may impede the immune system, according to Piedmont Health. Finding ways to reduce stress, including through activities like reading, is a win for anyone who wants to improve their health.

Impacts longevity - According to the 2016 study, “A chapter a day: Association of book reading with longevity,”

by Bavishi A. Slade M.D., reading exerts its influence on longevity by strengthening the mind. Reading positively impacts the way the brain creates synapses, optimizing neurological function. It also expands vocabulary, & helps with memory.

Changes the brain - A 2014 study published in Neuroreport determined reading involves a complex system of signaling & networking in the brain. As one’s ability to read matures, these networks become stronger & more sophisticated. MRI scans found that brain connectivity increased throughout studied reading periods & for days afterward.

Increases empathy - Through literary fiction, readers are exposed to the situations, feelings & beliefs of others.

This can help a person develop a greater ability to empathize with others, according to Healthiline.

Helps improve sleep - Reading is an effective way to wind down & relax before going to bed. It can be a positive nighttime ritual, provided one reads a paper book or utilizes an e-reader that is not backlit, as bright lights from digital devices may hinder sleep quality. In fact, doctors at the Mayo Clinic often suggest reading as part of a regular sleep routine.

Reduces depressive feelings - Individuals diagnosed with depression may feel isolated & estranged from other people. Books may reduce those feelings by helping a person temporarily escape his or her world into another.

Also, books can serve as a common ground through which conversations over shared interests can begin.

Reading has many positive health benefits, which is why resolving to read more can be beneficial. Visit IDA Public Library at 320 N. State Street, Belvidere and get started reading today!

This Month’s Healthy Recipe Quick Shrimp Gumbo Ingredients 1 cup quick-cooking brown rice (uncooked) 2 T. extra virgin olive oil 2 cloves garlic, peeled & diced 1 onion, diced 2 t. Cajun seasoning premix 1/2 t. ground hot or chipotle pepper 1 pkg. (16 oz) frozen bell pepper strips

Recipe Provided By The U of I Extension Office

1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, drained 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained & rinsed 1/2 lb. frozen cooked shrimp, thawed 1 cup vegetable broth 1 pkg. (16 oz) frozen cut okra Salt & pepper Hot sauce

Nutrition Facts Per Serving (6 Servings) Total Fat 5 g Sodium 312 mg Carbohydrates 41 g Protein 13 g

Directions 1. Cook rice according to the package directions. While the rice is cooking, heat the oil over medium heat in a Dutch oven or lg. pot 2. Add garlic & onion & sauté for several minutes. Add the Cajun spice & pepper & cook, stirring for two minutes. Add the pepper strips, tomatoes, beans, shrimp & broth. Stir & bring just to a boil.

3. Reduce the heat to simmer, cover & cook for 10 minutes. Stir in okra & simmer for 5 minutes longer. Season to taste with salt & pepper. Serve with brown rice & hot sauce on the side.

Reminder: Medicare Open Enrollment Ends Soon

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

Santa From Lear’s Jewelry Store

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

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

DISPILL MEDICATION PACKAGING Prevents Your Loved One From Missing Medications

The UPS Store® HOME HEALTHCARE DEPT Walkers, Wheelchairs, Bath Benches & More NEEDS A DRIVE-THRU WHEN W HO WE D vailable 6 Days A W Delivery A eek M ELIVE on.Sat R! .

O’Brien’s Pharmacy

216 S. State St., Belvidere 815-544-3433

Medicare’s Annual Enrollment (AEP) ends December 7th. This is the one time of year you can make changes to your health coverage for the coming year. Every year there are formulary changes & that means a review is in your best interest to ensure you have a plan that will offer the best pricing for your current medications.

Advantage Plans, over the last several years there was a pretty clear choice when it came to benefits, network, & costs. This year expect lots of new choices. Several well-known insurance companies have decided they want a share of the market. What does that mean for you? Plans with lower co-pays, lower out-of-pocket costs, & higher allowances for those extras like dental, vision, hearing, over-the-counter, & possibly even a few new perks. Medicare & Medicaid dual eligible folks often think they have all that they are eligible for, but you too can have an Advantage Plan with a zero premium that will help stretch your dollars & offer additional coverage.

To make sure your coverage meets your current healthcare needs reach out to a local broker who can review the plans in our area to find one that best meets YOUR needs & budget. Call for an appointment at 815-414-9044 or see the Medicare 411 ad in this section.

Need A Little Help Out Of Your Chair?

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

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

Page 7

December 1, 2022

BELVIDERE CEMETERY ASSOCIATION

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING

“Established 1847”

A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

• Pre-Burial Arrangements • Cremation Burials • Columbarium Niches

Staying Connected Is Good For Our Health

• Memorial Markers • Affordable Prices • Park-like Setting

Letter From: Kelly Hillan, Exec. Director of The Keen Age Center

Dear Friends, All of us at Boone County Council on Aging at the Keen Age Center wish you a joyous holiday season! One that is full of laughter & connections.

Frank Lloyd Wright Pettit Memorial Chapel On Cemetery Grounds 1121 N. Main, Belvidere • 815-547-7642 belviderecemetery@comcast.net

Staying connected to other people is good for our health & well-being. As we grow older, we may find we have fewer opportunities to connect. The Keen Age Center encourages older people to stay connected.

Computers, Crafts, Exercise, Games, Hobbies, Karaoke, Library, Lounge, Luncheons, Meet Police, Pool/Billiards, Puzzles, Reader’s Theater, Rules of the Road, Smart Drivers, Support Groups, Table Tennis, Tax Prep, Tours, Travel, TV, Veterans, Volunteer Opportunities, Wellness, Social Call & more! Keen Age Center is a place to share a smile, to connect & to belong.

Holiday Greetings

We hope that you will consider a donation during our Annual Holiday Appeal. You can contact us at 815-544-9893 or consider visiting us at 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere, IL 61008. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we can keep activities at Keen Age Center available for Boone County seniors.

from the

Boone County Council On Aging

Photo: Joan Buchanan Quilt Raffle 2022

Peace & Joy, Kelly Hillan Executive Director

2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere 815-544-9893 l www.keenage.org

How Older Drivers Can Increase Their Comfort Levels Behind The Wheel

Caring

© Northern Illinois Hospice 2022

First in

You and your family are our top priority. As the region’s first hospice provider, no one has more experience putting you first.

Call us

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

northernillinoishospice.org

SHADLEY APARTMENTS 1151 NETTIE STREET, BELVIDERE • MANAGED BY LUDWIG AND COMPANY •

SECTION 8 AFFORDABLE HOUSING These conveniently located and newly rehabbed, one bedroom apartments in Belvidere are specially designed for seniors and people with disabilities. Shadley Apartments is customized to facilitate independent living in a fully equipped apartment among friends and neighbors who share similar interests.

Please contact Colisha Williams (815) 547-5255 Property Manager for private showing.

cwilliams@ludwigco.com fax: (815) 544-9568

It’s not uncommon for aging individuals to feel less comfortable driving as they approach their golden years.

Whether it’s glare from LED lights, aches & pains that often accompany aging or age-related vision issues, older drivers’ comfort behind the wheel can be compromised by a host of variables. Though older drivers cannot reverse the aging process, they can try various strategies to make themselves more comfortable driving.

• Share driving duties on long trips. The National Institute on Aging notes that stiffening joints & weakened muscles are a common byproduct of aging. In addition, the Arthritis Foundation® notes that more than one in two men & two in three women over age 65 have arthritis, which also can make driving less comfortable. Age-related aches & pains & arthritis can make it very uncomfortable to drive for lengthy periods of time when drivers are sitting in roughly the same position for the duration of their trip. In such instances, drivers can share driving duties to make long trips more manageable.

• Upgrade to a vehicle with modern amenities. Various amenities in modern vehicles make driving more comfortable for everyone, especially individuals with age-related aches & pains. Heated seats & in-car climate control can help reduce the discomfort caused by aches & pains & ensure drivers & passengers can tailor the temperature in the vehicle to their own preferences.

• Protect your eyesight. The NIA urges individuals 65 & older to see their eye doctor every year. Such visits can ensure prescriptions are current & can make drivers more confident in their ability to see everything on the road.

Also speak to the eye doctor about night driving glasses, which are designed to help overcome glare from headlights & street lamps.

• Drive more defensively. A greater emphasis on defensive driving also can help aging drivers feel more comfortable behind the wheel. The NIA notes that reflexes naturally slow down as a person ages, which adversely affects older drivers’ reaction times. Drivers can counter this by leaving more space between their vehicles & the one in front of them. Braking earlier & avoiding driving during times marked by heavy traffic, such as rush hour, also can help drivers feel more comfortable.

It’s natural for aging drivers to feel less comfortable behind the wheel than they did when they were young. But drivers can take various steps to increase their comfort levels so they can stay on the road.

Specializing In Short & Long Term Care Quality Healthcare Provided By A Professional Staff In addition to the highest quality care, we also strive to maintain the highest quality of life.

MapleCrest

4452 Squaw Prairie Road, Belvidere, IL 61008 tel: 815.547.6377 • fax: 815.547.3857 symphonymc.com

For A Private Tour Call Our Admissions Department Today

Rehabilitation Services Our rehab services extend far beyond the physical - it is about serving every aspect of an individual with care, kindness & respect.

Our goal is to provide the necessary approach to facilitate a complete return to health & successful return to home.

Serving Boone County Over 50 Years!

Nor thwoods

2250 Pearl Street, Belvidere, IL 61008 tel: 815.544.0358 • fax: 815.544.5006 symphonynorthwoods.com