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Serving Bureau County Since 1847
Saturday, December 12, 2015
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Lighter shades of blue Area psychotherapist discusses what brings us down during the winter months By Eric Engel eengel@bcrnews.com
PRINCETON — Human beings need sunlight. We manufacture Vitamin D through sunlight, and to keep a good flow going in our rhythm and routines, we need at least an hour of sunlight per day. In a society where many of us work inside, and a reality where we all want
to stay warm, the winter months do not assist in achieving that objective. Susan Johnson, LCSW, HLC, RMT, said the “winter blues” are a complex societal and physiological issue that we all deal with to an extent. The months on the edge of each calendar year offer fewer hours of sunshine, and it’s proven that depression is more common in countries that have diminished sunlight hours. Energy from
the sun literally makes people happier. “Depending on genetic loading, some of us have a tendency to slow down in the winter, almost like a modified hibernation cycle,” said Johnson, an integrative holistic psychotherapist who noted bulbs that emit broader spectrums of UV light are installed in office settings and prescribed to people who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Johnson feels a person must have an optimal dedication to self-care if they ever hope to be fully capable of collaborating with their peers on constructive levels. When oxygen masks fall from overhead compartments of an airplane, you must place one over your own head first before you can attempt to help your neighbor.
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Saints of the season Send us your holiday art! ’Tis the season for the Bureau County Republican to publish kids’ Christmas drawings. Find out how to submit your drawings on Page 3.
County examines insurance issues By Goldie Rapp grapp@bcrnews.com
BCR photo/Eric Engel
With the season of giving in full swing, a generous heart dressed in red donates to the Salvation Army outside of Walmart in Princeton on the afternoon of Thursday, Dec. 10. Saints of the season from the Optimist Club of Princeton donate their time for three weeks leading up to Christmas, ringing the bell Tuesdays through Thursdays from noon to 3 p.m. to raise money for the Salvation Army.
Medicaid, insurance plan needs? A local specialist can help you By Goldie Rapp grapp@bcrnews.com
PRINCETON — For those needing help applying for Medicaid or an insurance plan through the Marketplace, enrollment specialist are available locally to assist. Last year, local navigators working through the Bureau County Health Department helped several individuals get signed-up for insurance plans that best fit Year 169 No. 148 One Section - 16 Pages
© Bureau County Republican
their situation. The grant providing navigators through the health department dried up this year, however, many of those local navigators signed on to do the same work through Guidance Health, which is a self-funded organization that provides the same free services. Deb Roush is one enrollment specialist working through Guidance Health this year, who has continued her work in helping indi-
viduals get an idea of what their health insurance options are for 2016. Open enrollment for the Marketplace continues from now until Jan. 31. Roush reminded those who will not signup — penalties will increase next year. She said individuals can face a penalty of $695 per person or 2.5 percent of income —whichever is greater.
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PRINCETON — The Bureau County Board agreed to renew excess medical insurance for county inmates at its regular meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 8. Mike Kohr, insurance committee chairman, said the premium cost would be $17,916. The county’s underwriter for the carrier’s tax, staffing fees and filing fees would be an additional cost. All together, the total cost will be $18,790 to the county. Kohr said the policy does include looking at each bill submitted on behalf of the inmates and negotiating a lower price. He said the company’s policy has saved the county $48,396, which subtracting premium costs, totals around $29,606.
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