Boone County Shopper Senior Living May 2021

Page 7

May 6, 2021

May

Inside O’Brien’s Pharmacy

The UPS Store® Print • Pack • Ship • Shred • Mailboxes

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.

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.

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

Creative Mother’s Day Celebration & Gift Ideas On Sunday, May 9, 2021, millions of people will celebrate the special women in their lives, particularly the mothers, grandmothers & stepmothers who often tirelessly care for those they love. Created by Anna Jarvis in the early 20th century & designated an official U.S. holiday in 1914, Mother’s Day is a special day in many families. Apart from birthdays, primary female caregivers may not always get the recognition they deserve, nor be entitled to a day to kick back, relax & let others take the helm. Mother’s Day entitles them to something special.

Even though the way people have been living has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mother’s Day may be the first holiday on the calendar when the world can finally regain some sense of normalcy. But caution should still prevail during Mother’s Day celebrations. Thankfully, there are plenty of creative ways to celebrate mothers & mother figures this year.

• Dine truly “al fresco.” Outdoor dining has become commonplace, & even before it was a safety measure, enjoying a meal on a sun-soaked patio or overlooking a body of water was popular. If you’re worried about limited restaurant space or crowds, plan a picnic at a scenic location, such as a botanical garden or county park.

Include Mom’s favorite foods, enjoy the fresh air & delicious foods together.

• Create a photo slideshow. Digital photos have eclipsed prints in many people’s hearts. But too often digital photos never get seen after they’re initially taken. That can change when you compile a slideshow of favorite photos from childhood & even present-day photos that Mom is sure to appreciate. Use sentimental music or Mom’s favorite songs as the soundtrack & include some inspirational quotations or personal voiceovers. This is one gift that can be shared in person or over group meeting apps.

• Get involved together. An especially meaningful way to honor a mother who is always giving her time & love is to become involved in a difference-making organization. Joint volunteerism is a great way to spend more time together working toward a worthy goal.

• Enjoy her hobbies & interests. Devote a day or more to trying Mom’s interests & hobbies, whether they include hitting the links, knitting, singing in the church choir, or digging in her garden.

• Send an edible gift. If you can’t be there to celebrate with Mom in person, have a special meal delivered to her door. Then enjoy the same foods with her via Google Meet, Facetime or Zoom. Don’t forget a tasty cocktail so you can toast the special woman in your life.

Volunteering Strengthens Communities

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

ST

Volunteering is a great way for individuals to strengthen their communities, but it also can be a unique way for individuals to improve their own overall happiness.

A 2020 study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies examined 70,000 participants, each of whom received surveys that asked questions regarding their volunteering habits & mental health. The study found that, when compared to those who did not volunteer, people who had volunteered in the previous 12 months were more satisfied with their lives & gave their overall health higher ratings.

Belvidere,

IL

REET PUB

111 BUCHANAN ST. | BELVIDERE, IL 61008 815-547-1012 WEDNESDAY – SATURDAY | 8AM – 2 AM SUNDAY | 11AM – 2 AM MONDAY & TUESDAY | CLOSED

The frequency of giving back to one’s community also may affect just how much volunteering affects mental health. Study participants who volunteered at least once per month rated their mental health even higher than those who volunteered but did so infrequently.

• 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

Page 8

May 6, 2021

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

Interesting Facts About Memorial Day Each year on the last Monday of May, Americans celebrate Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a federal holiday that honors & mourns American military personnel who died while performing their duties in service to the United States Armed Forces.

• Freed slaves played a role in the establishment of Memorial Day. The American Civil War is the deadliest military conflict in American history, as the Union & the Confederacy each suffered more than 800,000 casualties by the time the war ended in 1865. According to History.com, as the war drew to a close, hundreds of Union soldiers who were being held as prisoners of war died & were buried in a mass grave in a Confederate prison camp in South Carolina. After the Confederate surrender, more than 1,000 now-freed slaves honored those recently deceased Union soldiers during a ceremony in which they sang hymns & distributed flowers. The ceremony was dedicated to the fallen soldiers & served as a precursor to what is now Memorial Day. • Confederate soldiers were honored, too. Confederate losses during the Civil War outnumbered Union losses, & were not forgotten by southerners. History.com notes that, in 1866, the Georgia-based Ladies Memorial Assoc., one of many organizations to arise after the war, pushed for a day to honor fallen Confederate soldiers. In fact, these efforts are believed to have influenced General John A. Logan. In 1868, General Logan, a Civil War veteran who was then serving as commander-in-chief of a group of Union veterans, ordered the decoration of Union graves with flowers on May 30. The day would ultimately be known as “Memorial Day.” • It took a long time for Memorial Day to become a federal holiday. Despite tracing its origins to the immediate aftermath of the Civil War, Memorial Day did not become an official federal holiday until 1971, more than a century after the war ended. This is the same year the holiday was officially designated as taking place on the last Monday in May. • Debate exists about which town has the longest history of celebrating Memorial Day. A handful of towns claim to be the first celebrants of Memorial Day. History.com notes that Waterloo, New York, was officially recognized by U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson as the birthplace of Memorial Day in 1966. Doylestown, Pennsylvania, & Rochester, Wisconsin are some other towns that claim to have celebrated Memorial Day since the mid-1860s.

Memorial Day has a rich history that highlights the importance of honoring the men & women who have given their lives while in service of the United States military.

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

Reimbursement For Funeral Expenses Letter From: Stephen G. Anderson - Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services

A lot has happened since the last time I was able to write to you all, among the changes is the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. I think that this pandemic has affected everyone by this point in time. Some have had this illness & recovered, some are struggling with aftereffects & yet others are mourning the loss of a loved one. This pandemic is not just a historical event, but to you who have faced this pandemic head on, it has been a personal one.

For those who have experienced the loss of a family member, our hearts are sad for you & you remain in our thoughts & prayers. As an effort to continue to support & encourage you on your grief journey, we want to bring to your attention a form of relief & reimbursement of funeral expenses.

A new program that Congress enacted that may allow your family to be reimbursed for some of your funeral expenses. The Coronavirus Response & Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 & the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 will provide financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. This program is available through FEMA & applications will begin to be accepted on April 12, 2021.

For more information about the program, you are welcome to call me at 815-544-2616, to find the answers to frequently asked questions, such as who can apply, what expenses are covered & what documentation you will need to apply. In essence up to $9,000 of funeral & burial expenses may be covered through this program. There are eligibility requirements, & the death certificate must indicate that the death was attributed to COVID-19.

If you were not able to hold a funeral at the time of your loved one’s death, you may schedule a memorial service through our funeral home & the cost of this may also be covered by this program. To apply, you can call the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line beginning on April 12 at 844-684-6333 Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 8 PM, central time. You will be asked to set up an online account & submit the required documentation through your portal.

Jesus said that in this life we would have trouble. He also said to take heart that he has overcome the world. Please know that we stand ready to help you. We know this can be a confusing time, so feel free to call, we will review with you the available options, provide you with any missing receipts from our funeral home & discuss the steps you need to take to apply for these funds; & if you used a different funeral service provider, we would still love the opportunity to help you. We can also share with you the benefit of holding a memorial service at our funeral home or assist you with one at your church or cemetery.

Sincerely, Stephen G. Anderson - Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services.

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

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.

Page 9

May 6, 2021

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU! The Keen Age Center offers a variety of educational & recreational programs Transportation: Rides provided in Boone County for all ages.

Vans are equipped with wheelchair lifts.

Information & Assistance: We help seniors with a variety of programs include Benefit Access, LiHEAP, prescription drug programs, Medicare & Medicaid.

Community Care Program: Help at home services for eligible senior citizens.

Lending Closet: We have a lending closet if you need small medical equipment.

Boone County Council On Aging 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere

815-544-9893 • www.keenage.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 Kelly Sumwalt (815) 547-5255 Property Manager for private showing.

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

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

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

Dear Friends, I was recently lamenting how strange it felt last year when the mask mandate first came into effect. I can clearly remember the visual of my husband putting on an ill-fitting N-95 mask that he procured from his basement workshop. I believe there was a fair amount of saw dust that had to be removed before it was reused. I was able to secure a homemade mask & I felt as uncomfortable as everyone else. My first outing with a mask brought flashbacks of when my mom sent me to school with shoes that I was supposed to grow into – the clodhopper type that were super practical & most importantly on sale. Wearing a mask was downright clumsy & as “clodhopper-ish” as my fifth-grade shoes. Flash forward a year & we have an ample supply of surgical & cloth masks. Today masks are akin to the 1979 American Express ad, “Don’t Leave Home Without It.” How quickly the mask wearing behavior has become a habit. The question on everyone’s mind is when will it end? We are often afraid to be near other people, it feels uncomfortable to be close to someone & to socialize with others.

This leads to the question of having to unlearn the fear that the pandemic has caused. Typically, one unlearns fear by exposure to the source of the fear.

We are encouraged by local Seniors’ positive response to receiving their COVID-19 vaccinations. Currently, the Illinois Department of Public Health website indicates that over 75% of Boone County’s 65+ have been vaccinated. These vaccination rates help us feel more comfortable in reopening the Keen Age Center. As you are aware, the Keen Age Center was open last summer, closed in the fall & reopened earlier in 2021. During the first months of the year, we were available for tax preparation, vaccination clinics & voting for the consolidated elections. We are now reopening to offer many of the previous activities that you have come to expect. You can rely on the fact that we will continue to follow state & local guidelines to ensure the safest environment possible.

We are hoping that one day soon we can unlearn the habits that we have acquired over the last year.

Additionally, we are optimistic that we will soon leave behind the fear of being close to others & can return to our natural state which is being able to socialize freely with one another. No doubt we are all enthusiastic about the prospect of leaving the mask habit behind.

Please give us a call at (815) 544-9893 for information on the available activities. Looking forward to seeing you soon, Kelly

This Month’s Healthy Recipe Broccoli & Chive Stuffed Peppers

AS IF HIS LIFE DEPENDS ON IT

Directions

1 teaspoon dried dill weed 2/3 cup fresh broccoli, finely chopped 1/4 cup shredded cheese 1/8 teaspoon or pinch of salt 1/8 teaspoon or pinch of pepper

1 Serving - 2 Peppers Calories 130 Total Fat 10 g Sodium 210 mg Carbohydrates 5 g Dietary Fiber 1 g Protein 5 g

1.

2.

3.

4.

Wash hands with soap & water. Gently rub produce under cold running water before preparing ingredients.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut peppers lengthwise & remove seeds In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, chives, dill, salt & pepper. Add broccoli & mix. Spoon cheese & broccoli mix into each pepper.

Place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake 9-11 minutes. Remove from oven & add shredded cheese to the top of each stuffed pepper.

Bake until cheese is melted, about three more minutes.

5. Remove from oven & cool slightly before serving.

...because it did.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

Ingredients 12 miniature sweet peppers 8 oz. reduced fat cream cheese, softened (Neufchatel Cheese) 1/3 cup fresh chives, minced

Recipe Provided By The U of I Extension Office

Nutrition Facts

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

Common Warning Signs Of Arthritis According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis is not a single disease, but rather an informal way of referring to joint pain or joint disease. In fact, the term “arthritis” is so wide-ranging that it actually refers to more than 100 types of conditions. Despite that complexity, arthritis often produces four important warning signs: 1. Pain - Arthritis-related pain can be constant or intermittent, can occur while the body is at rest & is not always triggered by an activity that incorporates a part of the body affected by arthritis. In addition, pain from arthritis can be isolated to one area of the body or affect various parts of the body.

2. Swelling - Skin over the joints affected by arthritis may become red & swollen. This skin also may feel warm to the touch. If you experience this swelling for 3 days or longer or more than 3 times/month, contact a physician.

3. Stiffness - This warning sign is, along with pain, the one that is most often associated with arthritis. Stiffness when waking up or after long periods of being sedentary, such as sitting at a desk during the workday or taking a long car ride, can be symptomatic of arthritis, especially if the stiffness lasts an hour or longer.

4. Difficulty moving a joint - The Arthritis Foundation notes that people should not experience difficulty moving, such as when getting out of bed. People who experience such difficulty may have arthritis.

People who recognize these warning signs should report them to their physicians immediately. Be as specific as possible when describing symptoms, as specificity can help physicians design an effective course of treatment.

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

Page 10

Mike

Home caregiver for son, Brian

May 6, 2021

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

Staying Active For Your Mental Well-Being Article Submitted by Jen Jacky, CEO - Belvidere Family YMCA

Whether it is related to the winter weather or the pandemic, many of us have become sedentary over the last few months. According to the Center for Disease Control, “more than 1 in 4 adults over 50 do not engage in regular physical activity.” As we move less & engage less, our mental well-being can be affected. Staying physically active helps combat mental fog. Mental fog can lead to issues such as cognitive fatigue, lack of focus, decreased sharpness, cognitive & mental failure, restlessness/sleeplessness, stress & anxiety. Simply put, maintaining a regular physical activity routine leads to a more positive well-being & outlook.

supporting

Most people associate staying physically active with being in a gym. While that is a great way to stay active, it is not for everyone. There are numerous other ways to get moving such as walking (especially with a pet), gardening, yoga, hiking, golfing, cleaning your house, taking fitness classes, swimming & dancing.

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.

Please consult with your physician before engaging in any new form of physical activity. You can also ask your doctor what type of activity they recommend for you based on any preexisting conditions you may have.

First in

you at home

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

Pick an activity that interests you. If it isn’t something you enjoy, you will be less likely to start a routine & keep up your activity pace. And, you don’t need to push yourself to the extreme for benefits from physical activity.

Push yourself to exert moderate effort. That means you breathe a little heavier than normal & feel warm, not that you are out of breath or are overheated.

Once you get in your routine, check in with yourself to see the strides you have made. Do you have renewed focus? Are you sleeping better? Have your stress & anxiety levels decreased? Journaling your progress, both physical & mental, can be a great tool, a great way to see what is working & what areas need to be rethought to meet the goals you have set for yourself to help lift “the fog.”

The Belvidere Family YMCA, located at 220 West Locust Street in Belvidere, is a full service wellness facility featuring cardio & strength equipment, an 84 degree pool & fitness classes. The Y closely follows COVID-19 safety protocols. The Y offers many types of memberships including open door scholarships, Silver Sneakers, Silver & Fit and veteran discounts.

Golfing In The Era Of Social Distancing Golfers enthusiastically look forward to the day when their favorite courses reopen to players each year. That anticipation was even greater in 2020, when social distancing measures forced many courses to stay closed even as the weather warmed up. Thankfully for golfers, golf courses were among the first businesses given the green light to reopen as governments began to lift restrictions.

Golfing in the era of social distancing may not be quite the same, but golfers can still have fun. That’s especially true when they take steps to understand just what it means to golf while social distancing prior to teeing off.

• Assess your personal health before going to the golf course. Golf attracts athletes from all age groups, including some that are more vulnerable to COVID-19 than others. According to the CDC, age is a risk factor for COVID-19, as older adults are more vulnerable to severe illness. Social distancing requires a collective effort on the part of everyone. Golfers young & old who are under the weather or experiencing even mild symptoms of COVID-19 should avoid courses until they feel better. In addition, young golfers can choose tee times when they’re less likely to come into contact with older golfers. Early morning tee times tend to be popular among older golfers, but speak with staff at the course to see if they have rules in place to safeguard older golfers. If they do, respect those rules.

• Disinfect clubs before or after playing. Disinfecting clubs & other equipment before & after playing is a simple measure that can reduce golfers’ risk of getting the virus or spreading it if they have it but are asymptomatic. Simply wipe down clubs & other equipment with disinfectant or an alcohol-based cleanser that is at least 60% alcohol. If playing with a friend, resist the urge to share clubs.

John H. Maville Attorney At Law 815-544-3165

• Refuse valet service. Many courses have temporarily stopped offering valet services to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Golfers who visit a club that is not taking such precautions can opt to refuse the service.

www.mavillelaw.com Suite 307, 600 S. State, Belvidere

Golfing with social distancing may be different, but there’s no reason golfers cannot enjoy a summer on the links.

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

• Pack supplies. Contact the course in advance to determine if the dining room is open & if the course is providing hand sanitizer at each tee. At-risk golfers may want to skip dining at the course, opting to pack their own lunch or eat at home. If the course is not offering hand sanitizer, pack your own as an extra precaution.

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.”

815.398.7792 lifeatcrimsonpointe.com FURNITURE

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

7130 Crimson Ridge Dr. Rockford, IL 61107