Smart Living Rockford - December 17, 2020

Smart L iving Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • Dec. 2020 • No. II

™

Right in Our Region

Feeling Stressed?

You’re NOT Alone!

See Page 16

Merry Christmas and Hello 2021!

Tasty Peppermint Cheesecake Brownies New, Better Treatments for Asthma Patients!

Is a Home Remodelling Project in Your Future?

Best of Life Information for Our Region’s Residents & Visitors Proudly Serving the Needs of 326,000 Neighbors - For Your Home, Health & Fun!

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1

53

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. II

3

4

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. II

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. II

5

In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Feeling Anxious? You’re Not Alone Your Home ................................................... ..... 11 Think Ahead for Spring Remodelling Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Who is Jesus?

Your Kitchen ......................................................15 Peppermint Cheesecake Brownies Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 New Treatments for Asthma Patients

Smart L iving ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Assistant Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Multimedia Editor Sara Myers Graphics Director Samantha Behling Contributing Writer Peggy Werner, Paula Kalivoda Furniss General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky, Sherri Cassedy Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Distribution Kelly Fairbairn Website www.SmartLivingWeekly.com Published by Hughes Media Corp.

222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly.

Copyright 2020 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

6

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. II

To advertise call 815-316-2300

A Different Christmas

T

his isn’t a typical Christmas season. Many of us are suffering enormous anxiety.

We’re feeling isolated, uncertain, worn down.

The pandemic, the economy, the disrupted routines and traditions, the political upheaval … it’s a lot to process even without Christmas pressure.

This is the year to cut ourselves some slack. To focus more on people, and less on things, even though fewer people will be gathered around our tables. It’s a year to forget tracking down that elusive PlayStation 5 and instead write a check to a local charity. A year to SHOP LOCAL and a year to take shortcuts.

We don’t need a Martha Stewart Christmas in 2020. We need peace. We need to survive with our physical and mental health intact.

To that end, our cover story offers some tips from a local psychiatrist who’s witnessed a deterioration of mental health among all ages in 2020. There are ways to cope. We can’t control the world, but we can reduce the pressure.

In our family, this Christmas will be quiet and that’s OK. With record numbers of neighbors in need, the purest, raw meaning of Christmas stares us in the face. Christ taught us to care for hurting people – the hungry, lonely, sick, imprisoned, bereaved. Christ brought light and hope to a dark world … with no expectation of reward except the joy of doing what’s right.

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40 NIV) Along with the ugliness of a pandemic and human pride run amok this year, we’ve also witnessed great beauty in the selfless service of our medical community and all workers who’ve kept the wheels spinning for the rest of us. To all of you, we say “thank you.”

Let’s be kind to ourselves and cut others slack, too. Remember, Martha Stewart has a lot of paid help to make her look good.

Better days lie ahead!

From all of us at Smart Living and Northwest Quarterly, Merry Christmas! See you in 2021! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. II

7

8

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. II

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. II

9

10

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. II

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y H  G

Want to Remodel Your Home in 2021?

B y Pe g g y We r n e r

W

e’re steeped in holiday thoughts right now, but spring is not far off.

It’s time to think about remodeling projects that will prepare your home to go on the market or just give you more enjoyment.

Tod Chapman, owner of C & H Design Center in Belvidere, says it’s not too soon to start looking beyond winter and doing some measuring to get much-needed work done.

Soon, the rush will be on for people to start choosing plans, colors and materials for projects like finishing a basement, remodelling a kitchen or bathroom, or update flooring, he says.

To help customers get started planning projects, he suggests they begin with an idea of what they want to accomplish and have a budget in mind for the project.

From there, C & H can help in the selection of color, design, and layout to

help you visualize what the finished project will look like and what changes will or won’t work in a designated space.

People also need to be honest about why they want to make changes. Is it for their own pleasure or for making the house attractive for someone else?

“If you’re going to stay in your own home and want to do something, just do it and get the enjoyment out of your redesign,” he says. “If you’re planning to sell in a couple years or less, you need to be more careful, especially if you want a return on your investment.”

Colors are still trending neutral, mostly warm greys and whites; larger tiles and simple, clean designs rule.

Tell them you saw it in ...

With an emphasis on decluttering, people want the look of simplicity. This means storage options to get things out of sight are very much in demand, says Chapman.

For more information, visit the design center at 6506 Logan Ave., in Belvidere, or call (815) 547-8453. ❚

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. II

11

I  W

Who is Jesus?

W

hen people asked Jesus who he was, he didn’t always provide a straight answer; he knew when they were more interested in trapping him than learning the truth. But to those who sincerely sought him, Jesus made no secret.

He invited them into his life regardless of the price he would soon pay for it.

In the gospel of Luke, Jesus’ first explanation of his identity is given shortly after he’s baptized by his cousin John and receives holy spirit. After resisting Satan’s temptations for 40 days in the desert, he returns to Nazareth and teaches in the synagogue where he grew up.

From the scroll of the prophet Isaiah he reads: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:18-21 NIV) While Jesus knew he would be killed for proclaiming himself the Messiah, he also knew the timing of his execution had to be right. He had a ministry to carry out and disciples to train, before his departure from earth.

Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.”

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Peter answered, “The Christ [Messiah] of God.” Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone.

(Luke 9:18-21) Who do you think Jesus is?

For each of us, no other question matters more. ❚ 12

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. II

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. II

13

14

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. II

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y K

Go Ahead –Enjoy Delectable Holiday Treats W

hether you’re a chocolate lover or prefer seasonal flavors like peppermint and gingerbread, find this and other tasty, dairy-inspired treat recipes at milkmeansmore.org.

Peppermint Cheesecake Brownies Cheesecake Batter: 8 oz. low-fat cream cheese, at room temperature 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1/2 tsp. peppermint extract 2 eggs 1 TB all-purpose flour Brownie Batter: 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup cocoa powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1/4 cup milk 2 eggs 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Topping: 1/2 cup peppermint baking pieces

Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

To make cheesecake batter: Place cream cheese in bowl of stand mixer. Beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy.

Add sugar and peppermint extract; beat well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour and beat mixture until blended.

To make brownie batter: In medium bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder and salt until combined. In separate bowl, whisk sugar, oil, milk, eggs and vanilla until well combined. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until blended.

Pour brownie batter evenly into

Tell them you saw it in ...

prepared pan. Carefully pour cheesecake batter over top, spreading evenly.

Carefully swirl layers together using knife tip. Bake 20 minutes.

Sprinkle top of brownies with peppermint baking pieces and bake 10 minutes until brownies are set. Cool completely in pan on wire rack before cutting into 16 squares. Enjoy! ❚ (Source: Family Features)

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. II

15

R  O R

Tips for Coping with Difficult Times B y Pe g g y We r n e r he holidays are a stressful time in any year. Add to them political unrest and a pandemic that’s led to isolation, fear, economic loss and disruptions of routine, and it’s little wonder our mental health is fraying. But don’t lose hope.

There are effective strategies for coping with it all.

“The holidays are difficult enough, but the pandemic dramatically changes everything and causes more loss of traditions that can’t be observed this year. All losses have to be processed, so it’s a lot more emotional work during an already difficult time,” says Dr. Maria-Maria Anleu, adult, child and adolescent psychiatrist with Beloit Memorial Hospital in Beloit, Wis. Scary times can be made less scary with the right approach and a tool bag of coping skills, she says.

Anleu’s practice is comprised of 70

T

16

Smart Living Live

percent children/adolescents and 30 percent adults. She’s seen a rise in the number of people who’ve developed emotional problems since the pandemic began.

“It has just lasted too long,” she says.

More teens and adults of all ages are experiencing anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. Children whose behavior was mostly under control are acting out and children who had no behavioral problems before are having them now.

Children act out by being more emotional or aggressive with others partly because they can’t put their feelings into words, she says.

Every age group and personality handles stress differently. One good thing about people spending more time at home is the opportunity it presents to step up communication.

“Parents need to talk to their kids and then let them take the lead by asking

Dec. 2020 • No. II

To advertise call 815-316-2300

questions,” says Anleu. “Don’t assume they’re doing okay. Everyone needs to know the truth, explained in an age-appropriate way, and to get clarity for irrational fears and uncertainties.”

Parents can initiate conversations by asking their children how they feel about not going to school and not seeing their friends.

Basic information about the pandemic should be given to young children, she says. Middle schoolers and teens need to know more facts and should be told there are many unknowns, but also should be told the future is bright with promises of vaccines and better treatments.

Once children are given an explanation, adults need to create an opportunity for them to ask questions; not all children will inquire if they’re not prompted or given the opportunity to speak.

“Nobody knows how long the

R  O R

pandemic is going to last and everyone is feeling out of control because we can’t have the normal Christmas traditions,” says Anleu. “We miss people who are gone and it all adds up to an especially stressful time when we’re all supposed to be happy.”

Very young children who are sociable and miss their friends and teachers are having the most difficulty, says Anleu. Depression among adults has risen and parents with young children, elderly parents and a career are especially challenged.

All adults need to practice better

self-care these days, says Anleu.

Take time out from worries by scheduling a break each day to do something enjoyable. Schedule relaxation time of watching TV or a movie, doing crafts or hobbies, going outside for a walk, talking with friends, or finding a cozy corner to do some reading. Make a list of the things you like to do, so you can refer to it every day for ideas, she suggests.

It also helps to plan ahead. The holidays will be different and difficult, but there will be less anxiety if you plan. Try to keep some traditions, even though the people you normally see will be contacted in other ways. Enjoy your memories of the past.

If you’re grieving the loss of someone, know it’s okay to feel sad or angry, and to miss the person.

“Taking care of yourself” means different things to each of us, but can include pacing ourselves by doing only what we comfortably can do, working on everyday tasks, getting more sleep or exercise,

Tell them you saw it in ...

eating better, focusing on spiritual matters and anything that makes us feel good but is not self-destructive.

Telltale signs that we’re not coping well include not being able to function normally, finding it difficult to get out of bed and not being able to get work done.

If you can’t sleep, can’t stay awake, can’t eat, are binge eating, are in a bad mood all the time, or can’t stop crying, get help.

If you’re concerned about the risks of inperson appointments, know that many providers offer tele-health services.

You know you’re handling things reasonably well if you can eat and sleep normally and can carry on with work, relationships and everyday tasks, whether or not you always feel happy.

The coming of a new year won’t cure all of our problems overnight, but there’s good reason to believe the future will be brighter with every passing month.

Meanwhile, be good to yourself and others, knowing you’re not alone in these stressful times and this, too, shall pass. ❚

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. II

17

YEAR END SALE 25% off storewide MBS PRODUCTS, GREENSHEEN PAINT, GREENLITE BULBS AND VINTAGE ARE EXCLUDED.

DECEMBER 30: 10AM-6PM | DECEMBER 31: 10AM-4PM 7141 Harrison Ave, Rockford IL | 815-713-3184 | rockfordhabitat.org @restorerockford

18

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. II

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. II

19

20

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. II

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. II

21

22

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. II

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y H

New Treatments Help Asthma Patients

By Lindsey Gapen

T

here are more than 3 million cases of asthma in the U.S. Treating asthma is a passion of Dr. Abdullah Altayeh, pulmonologist and director of critical care at Mercyhealth, Rockford. He is using the most modern treatments available.

Asthma is a condition in which airways narrow. When patients come to him with symptoms like dry cough, wheezing or chest tightness, Altayeh typically administers a pulmonary function test.

“We give them an inhaler to see if there’s a significant improvement in their lung capacity,” he says.

In another breathing test, the methacholine challenge test, Altayeh gives very small doses of a medicine that purposefully triggers an asthma attack. If lung capacity decreases by 19 percent or more, a diagnosis of asthma is made.

Altayeh also may administer an allergy rash panel to test patients for 20

specific allergies that trigger attacks.

“If you have asthma, you need to be very diligent and understand what your triggers are,” he explains.

Asthma may be intermittent, mildly persistent, moderately persistent or severe. Patients with intermittent asthma may need to use an inhaler about once a month. Patients with mildly persistent symptoms sometimes awaken with shortness of breath and need an inhaler a few times a week. They need a short-acting beta agonist, commonly known as albuterol, to experience quick relief.

Patients with moderate-persistent asthma may require a steroid inhaler along with their rescue inhaler, Altayeh explains. Steroids help to reduce lung inflammation, which opens airways.

Patients with severe asthma may require a third type of inhaler called a longacting muscarinic agonist to reduce inflammation.

Tell them you saw it in ...

During the past few years, Altayeh has begun using a newer treatment for patients with more severe asthma – injections of biological agents that work on the immune system to reduce the body’s inflammatory response to asthmatic triggers in the environment.

“So, the inflammation in your lungs doesn’t act up as much, plus you don’t require steroids, which can have negative side effects, long-term. These biological agents are at the forefront of medicine.”

Altayeh also is trained in a procedure called broncothermoplasty, in which he maneuvers a camera into a patient’s lungs and warms up peripheral airways with a catheter, which reduces inflammation.

He’s one of only a few physicians qualified to conduct this procedure.

“I enjoy being able to help people who are very sick go home to their family and loved ones,” he says. “That feeling is very rewarding.” ❚

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. II

23

24

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. II

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. II

25

26

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. II

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. II

27

28

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. II

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. II

29

30

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. II

To advertise call 815-316-2300

52

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1