Looking Forward Planning for Life After 50
With informative features on finance, health and wellness, retirement living and more!
DAILY CHRONICLE DAILY CHRONICLE Saturday, February 25, 2017 Looking Forward 2.25.17.indd 1
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What Is a Cataract? Many people will have a cataract in their lifetime, and an average 3 million people will be diagnosed with one in the United States this year alone. Typically, as we age, the tissue around the lens of the eye changes and forms a cataract. Cataract symptoms may not be very noticeable initially, but with time, a cataract will grow and symptoms will become more noticeable.
Types of Cataracts
Cataract Symptoms
• Nuclear Cataract affects the center of the lens
• Clouded or blurred vision
• Cortical Cataract affects the edges of the lens
• Sensitivity to light and glare
• Posterior Subcapsular Cataract affects the back of the lens • Congenital Cataract a cataract that a person is born with
• Difficulty with vision at night • Seeing “halos” around lights • Frequent changes in corrective lens prescriptions • Fading or yellowing of colors • Double vision in a single eye
Cataract Surgery in Sycamore Once a cataract forms, surgery is the only treatment that will remove the cataract from the eye’s lens. If your vision has become blurred, don’t wait to seek treatment. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Jason Friedrichs. 2 | LOOKING FORWARD | Saturday, February 25, 2017
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2670 DEKALB AVENUE • SYCAMORE, IL 60178 • Saturday, February 25, 2017 | LOOKING FORWARD | 3
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Choosing a Retirement Community
Ask most people where they would prefer to spend their retirement years and they will say they would prefer to remain in their own homes as long as possible. But ask those same people and they will tell you they aren’t sure how they would manage if they could no longer care for themselves or what options would be available to them. For those people planning ahead for tomorrow and the unknowns associated with life, Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) may offer the best of the best. With options ranging from independent living to 24-hour nursing care, Continuing Care Retirement Communities are the answer for an increasing number of people planning for the future. For those sold on the idea of a Continuing Care Retirement Community, the following steps might make the process easier: Prioritize Make a list of those things that matter most to you. For many people location is a key factor. The average person lives within fifty miles of their birthplace. If you enjoy a rural lifestyle, or if proximity to family is important, or you enjoy the sights of the city or the atmosphere of life in a university town, then add it to your priority list. The list can be as specific as you want but will go a long way in narrowing your search. Research You will be much more up to speed on terms, jargon and options if you do a little homework before setting out. Many consumers will limit their search to not-for-profit organizations or those with a particular sponsorship or affiliation. Spend some time visiting with friends and then log on to the Internet. There is a wealth of information available. Most retirement communities have websites and many share photos, list amenities, services and contact information. Accredited? Some continuing care retirement communities are accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Rehabilitative Facilities (CARF). Accreditation indicates to the public that the community has the financial resources necessary to meet the present and projected needs, has knowledgeable administrative staff, and provides sufficient financial information to residents and applicants.
It not only provides assurance of quality and integrity, but it offers the public a standard for comparisons in evaluating retirement communities. Visit The retirement decision may be one of the biggest decisions you will make in your life. Take the time to visit the communities, talk with the staff, take a tour, and meet the residents. Many of the communities offer educational/entertainment programs open to the public. This is a great way to experience the community first-hand. Fees Get a clear understanding of pricing and fees. Most communities have an entrance fee based on the size of the apartment/duplex and offer a refundable portion over a set number of years. The monthly fees vary widely from community to community, level of care and services and amenities. Also, ask for the community’s history of fee increases and a copy of their most recent financial audit. A reputable community will have this information readily available and will be more than willing to share it. What if I outlive my resources? Many not-for-profit retirement communities have a charitable fund to provide life care to those who outlive their resources. Other types of retirement housing may discharge an individual when they exhaust their resources or require additional care. Knowing up front what you can expect when the time comes will go a long way in providing you peace of mind and future security. There is a myriad of retirement living options available to consumers today. Taking the time to research and select the one that best meets your interests today and your needs of tomorrow is time well spent.
OAK CREST DeKalb Area Retirement Center www.oakcrestdekalb.org
The gift that keeps giving… Sometimes it’s difficult to pick out just the right gift for a friend or a family member. If you’re like us you’ve probably stood in line at a store with an item in your hand and wondered if it would be the right size or color. Sometimes, you even leave the store empty-handed because they just didn’t have that perfect gift that conveys how much you care. When it came time to move, and we made the decision to make Oak Crest our home, we really saw it as a gift to ourselves. After all, a beautiful home in a community near our family with the guarantee of future care and services was the perfect fit. Add to that, everything we need – church, banking, medical care and shopping all within one mile. Then it hit us. Maintaining our independence and making our own decisions is a part of who we are and moving to Oak Crest when we did was God’s perfect timing. We enjoy all that Oak Crest has to offer and will never place our family and friends in the position of caregivers. As far as we’re concerned Oak Crest has it all wrapped up in one beautiful package. Talk about the gift that keeps giving.
Ed and Martha Gillespie, Residents since January 2013
Ed & Martha Gillespie
For more information call (815) 756-8461 • 2944 Greenwood Acres Dr. • DeKalb, IL 4 | LOOKING FORWARD | Saturday, February 25, 2017
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things you can do today to support your heart health
(BPT) - On the path to good health, it pays to follow your heart - literally. A healthy heart is essential to supporting good overall health, yet many people ignore the warning signs that their heart is not as healthy as it could be. A 2016 survey from the American Academy of Family Physicians, conducted by Harris Poll, found that nearly three in 10 men and women reported they had been diagnosed with high blood pressure. This result mirrors the findings of research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The findings translate to an estimated 75 million people with high blood pressure, and just slightly more than half have the condition under control. “This finding is concerning because we know that high blood pressure and heart attacks or chronic heart failure are so closely related,” said John Meigs, Jr., MD, president of the AAFP. “According to the CDC, seven out of 10 people who have a first heart attack have high blood pressure. Seven out of 10 people who develop chronic heart failure have high blood pressure. So it’s important that people know what their blood pressure is.” To lower your blood pressure and improve your heart health, the American Academy of Family Physicians offers these recommendations.
* Be deliberate with your diet. Fruits and vegetables are essential, but pay special attention to their color too. Vegetables and fruits of different colors offer different nutrients, so mix them up. At the same time, avoid heavily processed foods and those high in sodium. You should also make sure you’re drinking plenty of water rather than soda or energy drinks. Aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses every single day. * Balance your BMI. If you don’t know your BMI, a quick Internet search can lead you to several easy-to-use BMI calculators. And once you do know your BMI, you can start taking steps to reduce it, if necessary. According to the American Heart Association, losing just 5-10 percent of your body weight can dramatically reduce your risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. And that leads us to ... * Jump start your heart with aerobic exercise. Your heart is a muscle, and like other muscles in your body, exercise strengthens it. So put your heart through a workout with activities like walking, biking or hiking to increase your heart rate. Exercise can also lower your risk of developing plaque in your arteries, allowing your heart to be more efficient in delivering blood and nutrients to other parts of your body. * Stop the stress. Aside from a poor diet, there may be no larger culprit for high blood pressure than stress. Successful stress management has been proven to reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke. So relax, exercise, meditate, breathe deep or just have some fun. Whatever you do to burn off stress, make it an essential part of your day. You and your heart will be better for it. “Get your blood pressure checked,” says Meigs. “If you have high blood pressure, work with your doctor to treat it and lower your risk factors. That same advice applies to knowing what your blood cholesterol levels are.” To learn more about how you can reduce your blood pressure and improve your heart health, have a conversation with your family doctor today. Your doctor will be able to give you an accurate assessment of your current health and offer ideas on where and how you can improve. And to find more heart-healthy tips, visit familydoctor.org.
Confused about your health insurance? understand benefits, supplementary insurance programs and the prescription
For information, please call 815.756.1521 ext. 153344.
www.kishhealth.org Saturday, February 25, 2017 | LOOKING FORWARD | 5
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More options than ever for
Families Needing Elder Care More Americans than ever before are now older than 65, and in just four more decades, for the first time in history, there will be more seniors in the U.S. than people younger than 18, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Given those numbers, is it any surprise that many families wrestle with decisions for how to take care of aging parents, grandparents and other loved ones? "Deciding how to take care of an aging loved one can be a challenging, emotionally wrenching experience," says Danielle Russell, vice president of operations and business development for Assisted Transition, a network of independent consultants that help families find elder care. "The good news is that as the population of elders has expanded, so have elder care options." Just 20 years ago, families might have had to choose between putting a parent in a nursing home or having one younger family member quit a job to stay home and care for the parent. Today, options abound and it's important to know what's available before making such an important decision. Russell offers some background on seven of the top types of senior care: Assisted living communities - Seniors who require assistance with daily activities such as dressing, eating or bathing may still wish to live as independently as possible. Assisted living communities strive to provide an appropriate level of care while allowing
residents to maintain as much independence as possible. Seniors who are no longer able to live completely independently, but who do not need nursing home, Alzheimer's or dementia care, may find this type of arrangement works for them. Respite/short-term care - This type of care provides short-term breaks for families that may need elder care for a short time - a few hours, a day or a weekend, for example. Options can include an in-home skilled health assistant, an adult day program outside the home, or residential respite care facility. Independent living communities - In these residential communities, seniors can live by themselves with minimal assistance for certain tasks and needs. Elders with mild mobility issues or forgetfulness might do well in this type of environment. Rehabilitation centers - A senior recovering from a minor health issue may require extra care and therapy to regain the ability to live independently. Rehabilitation centers provide care as well as occupational, physical or speech therapy. Dementia care - Dementia is a progressive disorder that weakens memory, impairs judgment and diminishes mental abilities. Elders experiencing dementia may need an increasing level of care. Dementia care can occur inside the home or in a care facility. Alzheimer's communities - A progressive,
Start Living a Carefree Lifestyle The Supportive Living Program is available in Illinois to seniors 65 or older who need help maintaining their independence regardless of their financial resources
incurable cognitive disorder, Alzheimer's affects memory and mental abilities. Patients usually require a high level of care with everyday tasks, but may be in physically good health. Alzheimer's communities specialize in caring for patients who require this high level of care. Skilled nursing homes - Licensed by the state in which they operate, skilled nursing homes provide the highest level of medical care outside a hospital. These round-theclock residential facilities care for patients who require a high level of care, such as those who are bed-ridden or suffer from chronic health issues that require 24-hour access to medical aid. Even the most diligent families may have difficulty sorting through all the elder care options and decisions they face during the stress-filled process of choosing care. Many seek advice and expert assistance, such as from Assisted Transition, that can help ensure their loved ones receive the best possible care for his or her needs. The organization offers information, resources and free placement services to families looking for senior care and housing options. Assisted Transition provides referrals to assisted living facilities, nursing homes, residential care homes, senior housing and other industry resources. To find a consultant near you, visit www.assistedtransition.com.
• On-going health monitoring and nursing assesments • Assistance with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, personsal hygiene, grooming, getting to and from activities, and dining • Medication set-up, reminders and assistance • Three restaurant style meals served daily plus snacks • A range of interesting and varied programs and events • Assistance with transportation needs • 24 hour staffing by certified nurses assistants • On-site beauty/barber servies
To schedule your visit, call
815-787-6500 2626 N. Annie Glidden Rd. • DeKalb, IL 60115 Managed by Gardant Management
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5 questions
you should ask your pharmacist
(BPT) - A visit to the pharmacy can be about more than just picking up prescriptions or supplies for the medicine cabinet. It can actually be an important, and convenient, time to ask your pharmacist key questions that could impact your health. Dr. Andria Fetterman, a faculty member in South University Savannah's School of Pharmacy, encourages people to use their pharmacist as a resource for information about everything from prescription medication to lifestyle changes. Fetterman says there are five key questions you should frequently ask your pharmacist.
What can I expect from this medication?
Fetterman says whether you're picking up an over-the-counter remedy or a prescription, you should feel free to ask your pharmacist what to expect from the medication. "Many medications have potential side effects that you should be aware of before you take them," advises Fetterman. "It may be something as mild as a little stomach discomfort or drowsiness, but knowing what to expect will help you handle any potential side effects. Also, knowing what to expect could keep you from blaming any new, unrelated symptoms on your medication." You should also ask how long it will take for your medication to make you feel better. Fetterman says most antibiotics should have you feeling better in three to five days, but an antidepressant may need to be in your system for three weeks before you begin to feel its effects. If a prescription medicine doesn't seem to be
working in the proper time frame, you should let your doctor know. Remember that sudden discontinuation of some medications, without proper professional advice, can be costly to your health.
With proper disease management, some patients can actually reduce or eliminate their need for prescription medication altogether."
How long should I take an over the counter medication before I call my doctor?
pharmacist about whether any new medication will mix well with other things you are already taking. "Dietary supplements, herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines can interact or interfere with prescription medications. When you are having a prescription filled, your pharmacist should ask you about all other medications that you're taking. If you're on prescription medication, check with the pharmacist before beginning any new over-thecounter supplements or medication to make sure it is safe."
Over-the-counter medicines can provide relief for a number of ailments, but sometimes you need to see a doctor either for a prescription or a correct diagnosis of your symptoms. Fetterman says your pharmacist can help guide you when you're not sure if it is time to see a doctor. "A pharmacist can give you advice on how quickly you should see symptom relief with an over-the-counter medication," says Fetterman. "Many times, people will treat themselves too long with over-the-counter medicine or will switch from one product to another looking for relief, and many times don't go to a physician when they need to."
How do I manage my condition? "When someone leaves the doctor's office
after a diagnosis, they may be scared or shell-shocked," Fetterman explains. "There may be questions about medication or daily management that they didn't think to ask. That's where a pharmacist can help." Fetterman uses Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure as examples. "A pharmacist can counsel you about weight loss, healthy eating and ways to promote cardiovascular activity.
Do these medicines mix? Fetterman says it is important to ask a
What should I do about my persistent, minor symptoms?
Fetterman says you should never hesitate to ask a pharmacist about a persistent, minor symptom that might be bothering you. "If you're having a non-specific or persistent symptom that you think is minor, you should still ask your pharmacist about it," says Fetterman. "A pharmacist can recommend an over-thecounter medicine that may relieve symptoms, but can also advise you to see a doctor about your symptom rather than ignoring it. "A pharmacist can be a great source of health information. All you have to do is ask."
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Lawn Brigade JOIN THE LAWN BRIGADE! DeKalb County Residents Need Your Help! • Help your community by volunteering a small portion of your time to help them cut grass, rake leaves, or shovel snow. • Some senior citizens and adults with disabilities need help with the maintenance of their properties • Keeps our county looking clean! • Reduce risk of injury to our elderly or physically impaired neighbors! • Take pride in your service to others!
Call (815) 758-6550 for more information! 8 | LOOKING FORWARD | Saturday, February 25, 2017
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