Senior Living July 2016

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July 13, 2016

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Senior Living July 2016

Homes

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Inside

Every hero has a story. With tremendous pride, Belmont Village celebrates the service and sacrifice of our resident veterans through American Heroes galleries nationwide. Featuring stunning portraiture and gripping narrative, the galleries depict the unique wartime experiences that forever solidified Belmont Village veterans as heroes of their generation.

Always on our minds. Forever in our hearts.

Distinctive Residential Settings | Chef-Prepared Dining and Bistro Premier Health and Wellness Programs | Award-Winning Memory Care Professionally Supervised Therapy and Rehabilitation Services

The Community Built for Life.® belmontvillage.com BUFFALO GROVE 847-537-5000 | GLENVIEW 847-657-7100 OAK PARK 708-848-7200 | GENEVA ROAD 630-510-1515 Winner of the Argentum 2016 Best of the Best and George Mason University Healthcare Awards for the Circle of Friends© memory program for Mild Cognitive Impairment.

© 2016 Belmont Village, L.P. | SC License 52068, 52084, 52076, AL License 5104242

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July 13, 2016

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Sponsored Content • In Stereo

‘Celebrating Seniors’ Profile: Meet the ions,

By Matt Baron ‘Battle of the Bands’ Champion S ince the first Celebrating Seniors Week in 2011, organizers have continually added wrinkles to the lineup of educational and entertaining events throughout Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park.

In 2016, perhaps the biggest twist was the Battle of the Bands, a musical showdown at River Forest Community Center. Drawing from groups that included members who were primarily 50-plus, the evening wrapped up with a four-man, onewoman group receiving first-place laurels: the ions.

They performed a variety of songs from their repertoire, including Warren Zevon’s “Lawyers, Guns and Money,” REM’s “Man on the Moon”, Elvis Costello’s “Pump It Up” and David Bowie’s “Suffragette City.”

Formed in 2013, the ions, who range from 49 to 57 years of age and reside in the Chicago’s near western suburbs, are Kevin Belsey on drums and vocals, Tom Cervenka on bass

and vocals, Mike Czmil on guitar, Mary Vondriska on keyboards and vocals, and Steve Shonder on guitar and vocals.

We caught up with the group in the midst of an active performance schedule that brings them to venues such as Wire and Fitzgerald’s in Berwyn, and the Elbo Room in Chicago.

How does getting older help make you a better performer?

Tom: Practice takes time. Time makes you older and practice makes you better.

Kevin: It is more about the music and less about egos. We all already know ourselves, which lets us concentrate on the music.

Steve: When I get older, time passes. I use that time to practice.

Practicing makes me better.

Amidst the stress and strain of dayto-day life, what role has music played in your life?

Tom: It’s my favorite form of art. Listening to it stabilizes and motivates me.

Playing it is fun.

The teamwork involved in playing with four other bandmates is challenging and very rewarding (when we all get it right at the same time).

Steve: I’m not playing guitar to alleviate any stress. I want the world to hear me play. I just like how the guitar sounds.

Mike: Playing music is so rewarding and helpful in relieving the daily stresses and strains for me. I have also met many interesting and wonderful people, music is an international language and bond that brings people together.

Mary: Sitting down at the end of a long day and playing helps me relax.

Listening to it brings out a million emotions for me. It is a constant.

In what ways has music’s role in your life changed over the years?

Tom: Listening to music has been a constant need that hasn’t changed much over the years. It’s been a shared interest of the whole family that has strengthened our bonds.

Mike: I started playing acoustic guitar with the church choir on Sundays approximately seven years ago. Now playing with the ions, it is an added role that is very fulfilling. We help and support each other with the music and our personal lives.

Considering that I was over 50 years old when I started to play with this band, I would definitely recommend this to anyone that asks me if they should give it a try.

Mary: Music has always been a big part of my life from Bach to show tunes to everything in between. Now that I am in the band, it is a lot more than just listening. It is a responsibility to practice and be prepared for rehearsals. And what a joy when it all comes together!

Celebrating Seniors is a not-for-profit organization that draws from individuals, businesses, congregations, government agencies and other individuals and organizations that serve the senior population.

It has four main objectives: to provide financial support for seniors in need; to facilitate cooperation between the business community, government agencies and non-profit organizations for the benefit of the senior population; to promote senior groups and organizations that serve persons 60 and older; and to raise public awareness of issues affecting seniors.

For more information about the Celebrating Seniors Coalition, please visit www.CelebratingSeniors.net or the organization’s social media pages: www.facebook.com/CelebratingSeniors and www.twitter.com/CelebratingSrs

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July 13, 2016

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Panton Eye Center Doctors Provide Latest Eye Care

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he Panton Eye Center has provided state-of-the-art eye care for over fifty years. Board-certified ophthalmologists and optometrists offer comprehensive optical, medical, and surgical care including five treatment lasers.

John H. Panton, M.D., founder, comments on the advances made during his career: “Cataract was once a blinding disease. Surgery required a lengthy hospitalization and patients wore thick spectacles post-operatively. That is a thing of the past. Today’s no-shot cataract surgery allows the restoration of normal vision for nearly everyone. What we now consider routine was unimaginable when I began!”

Peter J. Panton, M.D., senior surgeon, describes the surgical elimination of glasses or refractive surgery: “The refractive components of the eye are the cornea (in the front of the eye) and the lens (inside the eye). There are two major refractive procedures: (1) LASIK is the use of a laser to reshape the cornea; (2) Refractive Cataract Surgery is the combina-

Panton Eye Center

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tion of a bifocal implant with no-shot cataract surgery. For both our LASIK patients and our Refractive Cataract Surgery patients, life without glasses is the anticipated outcome.”

Robert W. Panton, M.D., fellowship-trained corneal surgeon, defines ALL LASER LASIK: “ALL LASER LASIK is the combination of two lasers to correct vision. The first makes a thin flap of cornea which is gently folded back.

The second reshapes the cornea. The flap is repositioned without the need for stitches.

Prior to surgery, the patient is able to see only the big-E; the morning after ALL LASER LASIK, the patient drives himself for his follow-up exam.”

Elizabeth Panton Karkazis, O.D. explains how contact lenses complement refractive surgery in a comprehensive practice: “Teenagers are too young for LASIK and not every adult is a suitable candidate for LASIK. When surgery is not an option, contact lenses remain a valuable tool to satisfy a patient’s optical needs.”

7740 north avenue, Elmwood Park, iL

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708-452-7200

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WWW.PantOnEYE.COm

Dr. Peter Panton Discusses Cataract Surgery & Bifocal Implants Dr. Panton, what is a cataract and how is it treated?

A cataract is the clouding of the lens inside the eye. Neither drops nor pills can prevent or cure a cataract. The only treatment for a cataract is its surgical removal and its replacement with a clear artificial lens or intraocular lens implant (IOL).

Dr. Peter J. Panton, a graduate of the Brown University School of Medicine, is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and former president of the Chicago Ophthalmological Society.

Call to schedule your Bifocal Implant Evaluation

Panton Eye Center 7740 North Avenue Elmwood Park, IL

708-452-7200 WWW.PANTONEYE.COM

What is the difference between a monofocal implant and a bifocal implant?

In the past, the IOL corrected distance vision only; this is called a monofocal implant. Patients who undergo cataract surgery with a monofocal implant still need reading glasses. Recent advances incorporate a bifocal into the IOL. The bifocal implant allows patients to read without glasses, drive without glasses, and do virtually all of their activities without glasses.

What will I experience during cataract surgery with a bifocal implant?

Cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis using eye drops to numb your eye; no shots are necessary. The operation takes approximately 20 minutes after which you will rest for a short time before going home. Post-operatively, you will be asked to instill eye drops for a few weeks after surgery. You will have 90% of you vision back within one day and your eye will be completely healed within two weeks.

How do I find out if bifocal implants are right for me?

While most cataract patients are candidates for this technology, it is best to seek consultation with an ophthalmologist with experience in bifocal implants. If you want to reduce your dependence on glasses after cataract surgery, call Dr. Panton at 708-452-7200 to schedule an appointment.

No Glasses after Cataract Surgery

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Building a better smile at Oak Park Prosthodontics

hat’s a prosthodontist? It’s a question that Dr. Anne Fabricius, owner of Oak Park Prosthodontics, often gets. With her characteristic smile, she will enthusiastically explain that a prosthodontist is a dentist with three additional years of training in restorative dentistry. They are experts in cosmetics, crowns, implants, bridges, dentures, and the management of complex dental problems. Currently there are only five women in Illinois that are board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Anne Fabricius is one of them, and the only one in private practice.

A graduate of Harvard University School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Fabricius established Oak Park Prosthodontics in 2013.

She offers general dentistry services, such as cleanings; as well as specialty services in the repair and replacement of teeth. In addition to her practice, she also teaches the complete denture course at University of Illinios at Chicago.

Why Prosthodontics? “I love problem solving,” Fabricius says, “I enjoy providing patients with unique solutions to solve a variety of dental problems.” She explains that most dental problems can be solved with this specialized attention.

Solutions for Denture Wearers “I often see patients who have had a bad experience with partials or dentures,” says Dr. Fabricius. “Unfortunately, many people have poorly fitted dentures and think that their only hope is a mouth full of implants, which may be out of reach financially. Luckily, these patients are often pleasantly surprised to find that a well made partial or denture is comfortable and also improves their appearance and ability to chew.”

Dental implants add many exciting possibilities for denture wearers. “For patients who wear a lower denture, the addition of just two dental implants can dramatically improve the ability to chew,” says Dr. Fabricius. “Special connectors are attached to the under surface of the denture so that it snaps onto the implants, eliminating the need for denture glue.”

Another exciting option is to have a full set of teeth permanently attached to four or more dental implants. “This is a great option for patients who are tired of removing their dentures at night – it is the closest thing to having your natural teeth back,” says Dr. Fabricius. “Patients who choose this route find that they can eat steak, bagels, apples, and other foods

The Oak Park Prosthodontics staff (from left to right): Dr. Anne Fabricius, Perla, Kathy, Rocio, MaryLou, Pat, Dr. Betsy Samore

that require more chewing power.”

Why Choose a Prosthodontist?

Dr. Fabricius’ expertise and attention to detail combine to give every patient a beautiful smile and a pleasant experience. Wendy, a patient of the practice remarks, “This was a totally different experience - I have never met a dentist so focused on details. I finally have crowns that are comfortable!”

“No one wants to keep redoing their dental work,” said Dr. Fabricius, noting her

additional training allows her to provide her patients with high quality services that will last longer.

If you are considering getting implants or any type of cosmetic dentistry, or you are just looking for a new dentist for routine care, call Dr. Anne Fabricius.

Her office, Oak Park Prosthodontics, is located at 185 N. Marion Street in Downtown Oak Park. Visit the website at OakParkImplants.com or call 708-386-0177.

dr. fabricius is one of only 25 board-certified specialists in crowns, implants, and dentures in illinois education:

“Dr. Anne is amazing. I was in a terrible situation where my front six teeth were crowned incorrectly...she is doing an amazing job fixing my problem.”

northwestern university, Ba, Biological Sciences, Cum Laude Harvard school of dental medicine, Doctor Of Dental Medicine university of illinois at chicago Certificate In Prosthodontics

academic positions: clinical assistant professor, University Of Illinois At Chicago Complete Denture Course

membersHips: Fellow Of The American College Of Prosthodontics, Diplomate Of The American Board Of Prosthodontics, Member Of The American Dental Association

- Anne V.

anne m. fabricius DMD, FACP, Board-Certified Prosthodontist

185 N. Marion Street, Oak Park, IL | oakparkimplants.com

708-386-0177

SENIORliving

July 13, 2016

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Independent, Assisted Living and Adult Day Care Rental Retirement Community

Welcome Home!

Come to the Oak Park Arms and enjoy the company of our family with full independent, assisted living and short-term care accommodations.

Enjoy the warmth of new friends and comfortable home-like surroundings.Let us take care of all your needs. It’s all at the Arms!

Call today to schedule a tour -708-386-4040 Oak Park Arms • 408 S. Oak Park Ave. • Oak Park, IL, 60302 www.oakparkarms.com

Altenheim: A Culture of Caring

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he Altenheim, an architecturally charming and historical landmark situated on the western edge of Forest Park, Illinois is a not-for-profit apartment rental community for persons 55 yearsof-age and older. From the beginning, the Altenheim has been a home and not merely a place to live. And, while much has changed in society over the past 130 years, the Altenheim’s culture of caring and respect has remained the same. Our dedication to the mission of providing affordable, quality housing is as strong and true today as it was in 1885.

Each of our 56 apartments is bright and cheerful with high ceilings and large windows that invite lovely ambient light.

Many of those studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom apartments overlook the magnificent Arborwood and Briarwood facades, our beautifully landscaped grounds, or our spacious garden patio.

At the Altenheim, you will find something going on every weekday. Our monthly Calendar of Events reflects the diverse interests of the people who make their home here. We recognize that everyone has talent, passions, and something meaningful to contribute. Programs and events appearing on our Social Calendar stimulate and entertain the mind, uplift the

spirit, and strengthen the body. Here you will enjoy lectures and presentations, musical performances, exercise classes, scenic trips, crafts, restaurant outings, movies, bingo, a monthly birthday party and more. Our Altenheim coach and drivers also provide weekly trips to local grocery stores and other shopping destinations.

Additional amenities include easy access to public transportation, assigned parking, ample storage space, elevators, building laundry facilities, front door intercoms, Phillips Lifeline emergency call systems, well-appointed lounges, elegant dining room and parlor, card room, large art studio, inhouse beauty salon/barber shop, sun rooms, furnished garden patio, landscaped grounds, and an always interesting community newsletter. Not enough, we also have a quant library with computer terminals and WiFi. For those wanting to extend their living space and mingle with others, the Arborwood and Briarwood community rooms offer opportunities for socializing and large flat screen TV viewing. For those who crave to be outdoors, our patio is the site for Memorial Day and 4th of July BBQs and also serves as a pretty spot to sit with family and friends or read a book. Would you like to see for yourself? Call and schedule a tour today

And at the Altenheim, you’ll be able to protect it with rent that is reasonable.

But the Altenheim is so much more… it is surrounded with beautiful grounds and wildlife, seniors who look out for one another and apartment selections and activities to suit your lifestyle.

You’ll be as happy as a lark here; come visit us to find out why.

Serving Seniors with Distinction for 130 Years.

A Senior Living Apartment Community

7824 West Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130 708.366.2206 www.thealtenheim.com

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