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March
IMPORTANT UPDATES FOR BOONE COUNTY SENIORS 65+ COVID-19 2ND VACCINATIONS
Prevent. Promote. Protect.
Boone County Health Department
1st Dose Tues., Feb. 16 (Moderna) 2nd Dose Tues., March 16 At: Keen Age Center Time: Call Boone Co. Health Department 1st Dose Sat., Feb. 20 (Pfizer-BioNTech) 2nd Dose Sat., March 13 At: Belvidere High School, 1500 East Ave. Time: Same As First Appt. 1st Dose Sunday, Feb. 21st (Pfizer-BioNTech) 2nd Dose Monday, March 15th At: Belvidere High School, 1500 East Ave. Time: Same As First Appt. Please do not come early for your appointment. Your 2nd dose of vaccine must be from the same manufacturer. If you have questions, please call the Boone County Health Dept. COVID-19 info. line at 815-547-8561 or email us at: COVID19@boonehealth.org. For questions regarding appointment times you may call 815-547-8561 or the Keen Age Center 815-544-9893.
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS:
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING
SHADLEY APARTMENTS 1151 NETTIE STREET, BELVIDERE • MANAGED BY LUDWIG AND COMPANY •
SECTION 8 AFFORDABLE HOUSING
A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
Why Do People Kiss The Blarney Stone? International tourism is big business. While much of the world was forced to stay home during the global COVID-19 pandemic, prior to the outbreak of the coronavirus international tourism was thriving. A report from the World Tourism Organization in January 2020 found that 1.5 billion international tourist arrivals were recorded across the globe in 2019. That marked a 4% increase over the previous year. Ireland is a popular tourist destination for people across the globe. A country with a rich history that is steeped in tradition, Ireland annually welcomes people from all over the globe. Tourist attractions abound throughout the Emerald Isle, & few are as popular as the famed Blarney Stone. When visiting the Blarney Stone, which is located on the grounds of Blarney Castle, visitors are urged to kiss the stone. But why? The exact origins of the tradition of kissing the Blarney Stone are unknown, but History.com notes the practice dates back several centuries. Legend suggests kissing the stone helps people become more eloquent & persuasive, & indeed numerous accomplished orators, including former British prime minister Winston Churchill, are among the millions of people who have kissed the stone over the centuries. Kissing the stone is no small feat, though it has become easier to do so in recent years. Prior to 2000, visitors to Blarney Castle who wanted to kiss the stone had to pull off an acrobatic feat without much support, leaning over backwards while lying down on their backs as the upper part of their bodies hung over the parapet’s edge. However, guardrails were installed in 2000 to give visitors something to grab onto as they lean over the edge & kiss the stone. Visitors to Ireland who want to kiss the Blarney Stone can expect to wait to do so. While the Blarney Castle gardens remained open to visitors during the pandemic, the tradition of kissing the stone was closed. When that tradition is allowed again, visitors should expect a line, as an estimated 400,000 people kiss the stone each year.
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 Kelly Sumwalt (815) 547-5255 Property Manager for private showing.
ksumwalt@ludwigco.com fax: (815) 544-9568
AS IF HIS LIFE DEPENDS ON IT ...because it did.
What Protein, Carbs & Fat Do For Your Body A nutritious diet is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle. When paired with physical activity, a nutritious diet can serve as the foundation for a long, healthy life. The Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics defines nutrition as how food affects the health of the body. Food provides nutrients that are vital for survival. Food is made up of macronutrients like protein, carbohydrates & fat, which play different roles in promoting short- & long-term health. • Protein: Protein provides the body with amino acids that are essential for growth & development. The amino acids found in protein also help the body maintain itself & help body tissue recover after certain activities, including exercise. Protein also plays a vital role in immune system function. The AND notes that beef, pork, chicken, game & wild meats, fish, seafood, eggs, soybeans, & other legumes are great protein sources. • Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates do for the body what gasoline does for an automobile. Carbs provide the body with the energy it needs to function at peak capacity. The carbs found in foods like whole grains, rice, potatoes, bread, & more deliver sugars & starches that provide the carbs the body needs. Energy is vital when moving around, but also when the body is at rest, as it ensures the heart continues to beat & facilitates digestion. • Fat: The dietary fat found in oils, nuts, milk, cheese, & other foods provides structure to cells & prevents damage to cell membranes. The AND also notes that oils & fats absorb fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, which is vital for healthy eyes & lungs. A nutritious diet is a building block of a healthy lifestyle.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
815-965-8751 rrvbc.org
BELVIDERE CEMETERY ASSOCIATION “Established 1847”
• Pre-Burial Arrangements • Cremation Burials • Columbarium Niches
• Memorial Markers • Affordable Prices • Park-like Setting
Frank Lloyd Wright Pettit Memorial Chapel On Cemetery Grounds 1121 N. Main, Belvidere • 815-547-7642 belviderecemetery@comcast.net
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 40 Years!
Nor thwoods
2250 Pearl Street, Belvidere, IL 61008 tel: 815.544.0358 • fax: 815.544.5006 symphonynorthwoods.com
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Mike
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING
Home caregiver for son, Brian
A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
The Advantages Of RV Travel Individuals who are approaching retirement or those who already have said goodbye to the working world may find they are ready to make some life changes. Travel is something many older adults enjoy when they have much more free time to see the sights. Recreational vehicles are great ways for people to get out & about. An RV is more than just a way to get around; for many people it becomes a lifestyle. According to the RV Industry Assoc., about 10 million American households own RVs. There have been more RVs on the road in recent years, & there are now more facilities to accommodate them. RVIA says there are now roughly 18,000 campgrounds around the country, & certain facilities are pushing to improve & upgrade campgrounds in national parks & on federal lands. Individuals considering if the RV lifestyle is for them can refer to this list of RVing benefits. • Inexpensive travel (or living): RVers may be attracted by the idea of low-cost travel that doesn’t involve hotels & airfare & greatly reduces their reliance on restaurants while traveling. RVs can be rented for roughly $100 to $500/day, & RV parks usually run between $35 & $50/night, according to Allianz Travel Insurance. To keep the costs down even more, certain truck stops, big box retailers, churches, hotels, movie theaters, casinos, rest stops & other roadside locations will allow free overnight parking. Just verify before staying to avoid being ticketed. • Freedom to come & go: When traveling in an RV, there are no set check-in-/check-out times to follow or boarding times to meet. RV travel can be strictly on your schedule. • Plenty of help: Others who have embraced the RV lifestyle tend to be very friendly & ready to make new acquaintances at campgrounds & other stops. Those with more experience may be willing to share their expertise & pitch in to offer tips for better excursions. • Creature comforts: People who vacation or choose to live in their RVs tend to keep familiar items & essentials on hand. Those can include preferred linens, clothing, toiletries, books, games, & more. When taking such items along, there’s no need to pack & unpack much for any trip. • Follow the weather: If desired, RVers can pick up & follow the jet stream. If 70-degree days are your thing, then follow those temperatures coast-to-coast. If you like skiing or snowboarding, head to colder climates. • Downsize: The RVIA says that RVs are available across a wide range of price points. So if the idea is to trade in a stationary house for an RV, you may be able to do so for as little as $6,000 to as much as $500,000. The RV lifestyle may attract soon-to-be retirees. There are various advantages to getting on board.
Why Is Tire Rotation So Important? Vehicle owners need to keep maintenance on the mind to ensure their cars & trucks are operating at peak capacity. Various components should be checked & serviced at key intervals. Oil changes & fluid top-offs are part of routine maintenance, but it can be easy to forget about other important parts of the vehicle, including tires. Rotating tires is vital to their upkeep. Bridgestone Tires advises that tire rotation involves routinely repositioning a vehicle’s tires in specific patterns from front to back & side to side. The front tires tend to wear on the outside edges because the tire leans over when a driver turns a corner. The rear tires just follow the front ones, so they usually wear more evenly. By leaving tires in place, the outside edges on the front tires will wear down much faster than the rest & those tires will need to be replaced sooner. Rotation may be required by tire warranties. Rotation also keeps the tires working properly. Experts generally advise tire rotation every 6,000 - 8,000 miles, even if they do not show any signs of wear. It is challenging to determine if weather treads are uneven or how much wear has been sustained just by looking at them. Rotating tires can prolong the life of tires & decrease how frequently they need to be replaced. Rotating tires keeps the tread depth uniform & helps maintain traction & consistent handling across all four tires. Bridgestone says the tire rotation pattern that is best for a particular vehicle depends on the type of tire being used. Patterns are recommended by the standardizing body of the tire industry, called The Tire & Rim Assoc., Inc. Individuals can consult with professional mechanics about the proper way to rotate tires. Many tire manufacturers or automotive stores that have sold customers tires also will do tire rotations. In addition to proper traction, minimizing uneven tire treads causes the vehicle to be more balanced, advises Wrench, a mobile auto repair & maintenance company. This enables the driver to have more control even when roads are slippery. Many auto service centers will then align & balance tires after they have been rotated. At this time the mechanic will likely check brakes as well, since it is easy to see & reach them when the tires are off. Tire rotation is an important component of vehicle maintenance. Check with a qualified automotive professional to see if it’s time to have your vehicle’s tires rotated. For more information on tire rotation & automotive service call R.J. Daniles Fuel & Tire at 815-544-2118.
We don’t rent rooms, we enrich lives! “So thankful I found Crimson Pointe. The staff is very caring and kind. The maintenance director put dad’s scooter together and Physical Therapy is helping dad. Thank you for caring for my dad, I have peace of mind.”
supporting
First in
you at home
Caring for a loved one at home can be one of the hardest roles you’ll face in life — especially now. Northern Illinois Hospice is here for you with the expert support you and your loved one need, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Visit northernillinoishospice.org or call us at 815.398.0500 © Northern Illinois Hospice 2020
Belvidere Family
YMCA
• 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
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
Power Recliner By We Also Carry Lift Chairs By Ultra Comfort & Best Craft
815.398.7792 lifeatcrimsonpointe.com FURNITURE
7130 Crimson Ridge Dr. Rockford, IL 61107
315 S. State St. • Belvidere • 815-547-6672 HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 9-5; Fri. 9-7; Sat. 9-4; Closed Sun.
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Inside O’Brien’s Pharmacy
The UPS Store® Print • Pack • Ship • Shred • Mailboxes
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
DISPILL Medication Packaging System To Prevent Your Loved One From Missing Medications Or Taking Too Much. Filled Directly By Our Pharmacist, So There Are No Mistakes.
Vaccine Distribution Update Letter From: Kelly Hillan, Exec. Director of The Keen Age Center
Dear Friends,
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 • Diabetic Shoes & Medicaid/Medicare HOME HEALTH CARE DEPT. Support Stockings Braces/Splints Lift Chairs Bath Benches Wheelchairs Walkers Crutches & Canes Commodes Hospital Beds
WHO NEEDS A DRIVE-THRU WHEN WE DELIVER! Delivery Available 6 Days A Week Mon.-Sat.
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
When the Keen Age Center was asked to partner with the Boone County Health Dept. to assist in helping Seniors get their COVID-19 vaccinations, there was no hesitation. Our organization strives to reach out to older adults & their caregivers to help enrich & improve their quality of life. Assisting with getting Seniors their vaccinations is a perfect match for our mission & our staff, board members & volunteers have been glad to help where we can. Due to the overwhelmingly positive & exciting response from our Boone County residents aged 65 & over, the Boone County Health Dept. & its partners have worked quickly to accommodate & plan for future clinics, including a safer & more comfortable experience for second doses for those residents. See the details below on these clinics, including a new location for the clinic to be held. Some technology changes have already been made & a new floor plan will be used to maximize space & provide better seating & lighting for attendees. Additionally, the Boone County Health Dept. will take more of a lead role in overseeing clinic operations while optimizing the strengths of Meijer Pharmacy & the Keen Age Center as supporting partners. Over the course of my career, I have had the opportunity to supervise student interns. These internships provide students practical work experience related to their field of study or career interest while they are completing their degrees. Years ago, I had the pleasure of supervising a student from Beloit College named Amanda Mehl. She was friendly, enthusiastic, bright, reliable & a hard worker. Amanda was setting herself up for a future of success & the possibilities for her achievements seemed endless to me. Beyond social media, I had very limited contact with Amanda after her graduation. That changed when I became the Executive Director of the Boone County Council on Aging & found, to my delight, that Amanda was the Public Health Administrator with the Boone County Health Dept. A few months into my new position & the world was thrust into the COVID-19 Pandemic & confronting challenges none of us have ever faced. I cannot begin to ever know the extent of the enormous challenges that Amanda & her staff have faced over this last year. I asked her how she was able to keep up with all the demands & not surprisingly, she responded that she simply works seven days a week. Amanda has been very committed to making sure that Seniors in our community receive their vaccinations as quickly as possible. I can personally attest to the fact that she was “leaving no stone unturned” in her quest to get shots into the arms of those living in the communities she serves & especially those age 65+. Hats off to Amanda Mehl & her team at the Boone County Health Dept. Amanda, I am proud to say, “I knew you when,” & delighted to have the opportunity to help your team wherever we can. Anticipating a brighter future and warmer weather, Kelly
Important Updates for Boone County Seniors 65+ COVID-19 2nd Vaccinations
ST
Belvidere,
IL
REET P
1st Dose Date
2nd Dose Date
2nd Dose Location
2nd Dose Time
Tuesday 2-16-21
Tuesday 3-16-21
Call Boone Co. Health Dept.
Saturday 2-20-21
Saturday 3-13-21
Sunday 2-21-21
Monday 3-15-21
Keen Age Center 2141 Henry Luckow Ln. Belvidere Belvidere High School 1500 East Ave. Belvidere Belvidere High School 1500 East Ave. Belvidere
UB
111 BUCHANAN ST. | BELVIDERE, IL 61008 815-547-1012 MONDAY-TUESDAY | 11 AM-2 AM WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY | 7 AM-2 AM FRIDAY-SATURDAY | 6 AM-2 AM SUNDAYS | TEMPORARILY CLOSED
SLOTS NOW OPEN
Same As First Appt. Same As First Appt.
Important Reminders Please do not come early for your appointment. Your 2nd dose of vaccine must be from the same manufacturer. If you have questions, please call the Boone County Health Dept. COVID-19 information line at 815-547-8561 or email us at: COVID19@boonehealth.org. For questions regarding appointment times, you may call Boone County Health Dept. 815-547-8561 or the Keen Age Center 815-544-9893.
• All-On-4 Implants • Dental Implants • Implant Support Dentures • Bone Grafting • Cosmetic Dentistry • General Dentistry • Sleep Dentistry
2nd Opinions & Complimentary Consultations 140 N. State St., Belvidere, IL 61008
815-544-5144 CHAPKOANDSHAH.COM
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BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
Exercise Ideas For People With Mobility Issues An Affordable Assisted Lifestyle Community for the Older Adult. Call for Information!
ONSITE: • Beauty Parlor • Country Store • Physician Visits • Mail Service • Nursing Staff • Private Senior Apartments • Restaurant Style Dining • Housekeeping & Laundry • 24 Hr. Personal Care Assist. • In-House Emergency Response System • Medication Reminders & Assistance • Daily Activities & Transportation 4730 Squaw Prairie Rd. Belvidere
815-544-9495 www.hw-belvidere-slf.com Managed by Gardant Management Solutions
Physical activity is vital to overall health. The World Health Organization says limiting time spent being idle & taking advantage of opportunities to get moving - even if it’s just a little bit of exercise - can go a long way toward improving overall health. In November 2020, the WHO released new exercise guidelines for people of all ages. Adults should get between 150 & 300 minutes a week of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity, & that includes older adults & those with chronic conditions or disabilities. Individuals with limited mobility due to age or preexisting medical conditions may wonder how they can meet the guidelines for exercise. Those with chronic pain or illness sometimes find that exercising for more than a few minutes can be challenging. Even brief periods of exercise can pay dividends, & there are various approaches people can take to work around mobility & other issues. Explore chair exercises - Just because you are seated doesn’t mean you can’t get a workout in. Seated chair exercises can work various muscle groups. Seated arm rows, tummy twists, overhead arm raises, hand squeezes with a tennis ball, inner thigh squeezes, leg lifts & extensions, & many other exercises can be customized to be performed in a chair. Work out in the water - Exercising in the water can assist with movement & reduce strain on the body. The Arthritis Foundation says the water’s buoyancy supports body weight, which minimizes stress on joints & can alleviate pain. Water provides gentle resistance as well - up to 12 times the resistance of air. That means it’s possible to build strength & muscle even just walking or swimming around a pool. The Belvidere Family YMCA offers several water exercise classes for more information call 815-547-5307. Use resistance bands - Resistance bands are like giant rubber bands that can be used to build up strength & flexibility. Resistance bands are effective, low-cost gear that can offer high-impact results for building muscle, staying fit & increasing mobility. Resistance bands can be used in lieu of hand weights for many exercises & be ideal for those who find barbells & dumbbells are challenging to maneuver. Mind-body exercises are an option - Elder Gym®, a fitness from home service for seniors, suggests exercises like Tai Chi & yoga for those with limited mobility. These exercises integrate awareness of body movement with the exercise through coordinated breathing. The exercises encourage people to focus on slow, fluid movements & deep stretching. Seniors & others with limited mobility are advised to first discuss fitness regimens with a physician to get a green light to proceed. Then exercise regimens can be started gradually & altered to become more vigorous as the body acclimates to exercise. Increase duration & frequency as strength & endurance builds.
This Month’s Healthy Recipe Provided By The Easy Chicken Tacos Recipe U of I Extension Office
Ingredients 2 pounds chicken thighs, skin removed 1 jar (16 ounces) salsa 6 whole wheat or corn soft tortillas
1 medium tomato, chopped 1 cup lettuce, shredded or cut into bite-sized pieces
Directions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Complete Service Of Cars & Light Trucks
Nutrition Facts Per Serving Calories 260 Total Fat 7 g Sodium 760 mg Carbohydrates 15 g Dietary Fiber 2 g Protein 32 g *Sodium content may be too high for those following low
Wash hands with soap & water. Spray slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. sodium or low salt diets. Pour 1/4 cup salsa into slow cooker. Place chicken pieces into slow cooker, on top of salsa. Pour remaining salsa on top of chicken. Cover & cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 5-7 hours. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F on food thermometer. Remove chicken from slow cooker. Shred meat & discard any bones. Serve tacos with tortillas, tomatoes, and lettuce.
Mushrooms In The Morning Boone County Conservation District hosts Mushrooms In The Morning. Saturday, March 20th, 10 AM - Noon at Roger D. Gustafson Nature Center, 603 N. Appleton Road, Belvidere. Come and learn - what is a mushroom? Are they good for you? Can I grow them? Learn some fun facts. Make a glass garden mushroom! Get some new “old” recipes and try a tasty treat. Cost is $10.00 per person. For tickets visit www.bccdil.org/events/ mushrooms-in-the-morning.
Ida Public Library Building Is Open
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
The library at 320 N. State Street, Belvidere is now open 10 AM - 7 PM, Monday-Thursday; 10 AM - 6 PM, Friday; 10 AM - 2 PM, Saturday and closed on Sunday. Face coverings, worn over your nose & mouth, are required for everyone over the age of two while inside the building. Items can be checked out at the main circulation desk on the upper floor & at self-service kiosks. Curbside pickup will continue to be offered. Expect longer wait times for books requested from other PrarieCat libraries. To return your books please use the outdoor book drop or the new indoor drop-boxes located on the lower level. The library staff cannot accept returns from patrons. For more information visit idapubliclibrary.org or call 815-544-3838.
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.