January 7, 2021
Page 5
January
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
Screenings Are Vital To Preventative Health Care Screenings are vital components of preventive health care. Much like healthy diets & routine exercise can reduce a person’s risk for various diseases, early screenings can reduce the likelihood that diseases like cancer will prove fatal. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly every aspect of life, including preventive care. Data from the medical records vendor Epic revealed that, between March 2020, when COVID-19 was first declared a pandemic, & early fall 2020 screenings for cancers of the breast, cervix & colon had declined by 86-94%. Patients’ hesitation to schedule screenings during the pandemic is understandable. However, medical professionals continue to urge men & women, particularly those who are vulnerable to certain cancers, to schedule screenings. Doctors’ offices & hospitals have adjusted their protocols during the pandemic in an effort to keep patients safe, so adults should not hesitate to schedule screenings. The following guidelines can help patients determine if the time is right for them to be screened. • Breast: Hackensack Meridian Health notes that mammograms have reduced breast cancer mortality in the United States by 40% since 1990. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Society of Breast Imaging, American Society of Breast Surgeons, & American College of Radiology recommend that women begin receiving annual mammograms at age 40. • Lung: Low-dose computed tomography, often referred to as low-dose CT scans, are noninvasive, simple tests that have helped increase lung cancer survival rates considerably. Hackensack Meridian Health notes that only 15% of lung cancers are diagnosed early, so it’s imperative that vulnerable adults prioritize screening (nonsmokers & people who have never smoked are typically not referred for screening). Annual screening is recommended for current smokers or anyone who has smoked in the past 15 years, though doctors may recommend less frequent testing depending on the results of past screenings. • Cervical: Cervical cancer screenings, whether it’s a Pap test or an HPV test, can be conducted during women’s health screenings. Death rates for cervical cancer have dropped considerably thanks to increased screening, so it’s important that women discuss their risk with their physicians. The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists recommends average-risk women between the ages of 21 & 29 have a Pap test every three years, while those between the ages of 30 & 65 have a Pap test & an HPV test every five years. • Skin: Skin cancer screenings typically involve doctors examining patients’ skin from head to toe. If the doctor notices any abnormalities, a biopsy may be taken. People at increased risk of skin cancer, which includes those with fair complexions, a significant history of sun exposure & sunburns & a family history of skin cancer & melanoma should receive full-body screening exams every year. People also can conduct self-examinations & report any abnormalities they find to their physicians immediately. Cancer screenings are vital components of preventive health care & should remain so even during the pandemic.
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
Virtual Murder Mystery Hosted By The Ida Public Library January 18th - 25th: Are you a detective show junkie? Do you figure out who the killer is before everyone else? Join the Ida Public Library as they work to solve a virtual murder mystery. Watch videos from witnesses, victims & homicide detectives plus receive a homicide kit containing additional items like coroner’s report, phone logs & the crime lab reports. Turn your guess in at the library using the special crime envelope when you think you’ve nabbed the killer! Correct answers will be entered in a drawing for a Retro Clue board game. Caution: Like any murder investigation, this program includes violence, weapons & crime situations making it unsuitable for children. 18 & up only please. Registration is required. To register visit idapubliclibrary.org/registration or call 815-544-3838. Additional virtual events are available on their website and on facebook @idalibrary.
• All-On-4 Implants • Dental Implants • Implant Support Dentures • Bone Grafting • Cosmetic Dentistry • General Dentistry • Sleep Dentistry
PLEASE STAY SAFE & HEALTHY. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU SOON!
2nd Opinions & Complimentary Consultations 140 N. State St., Belvidere, IL 61008
815-544-5144 CHAPKOANDSHAH.COM
Page 6
January 7, 2021
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
Is It Safe To Donate Blood During The Pandemic? Donating blood is a selfless act that saves lives. Blood donors may recognize the vital role they play in patient care, but many may wonder if it’s safe to donate blood during the pandemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is safe for anyone who is well to donate blood. That even goes for people who are social distancing due to COVID-19.
Affordable Assisted Living Community For Seniors 65 & Older Of All Incomes. Call For A Tour Today!
The CDC has recommended various safety measures to ensure the safety of donors and donation center volunteers and staff members. Such measures include spacing donor chairs at least six feet apart and encouraging donors to make donation appointments ahead of time. Appointments can ensure donors are not spending more time at the donation center than is absolutely necessary, reducing the likelihood that they have contact with someone who may have COVID-19 but not know it. In addition, the Red Cross notes it has instituted additional safety protocols, such as laundering blankets used by donors after each use and requiring all donors and donation center staff to wear face coverings or masks during the donation process. Blood donors quietly save lives every day. Learn more about blood donations & how to donate at www.redcrossblood.org. Locally the Rock River Valley Blood Center has a donor center in Belvidere at 1740 South State Street. The center is open Mondays & Tuesday 9 AM - 5 PM, Wednesdays & Thursdays 11 AM - 6 PM, Fridays 8 AM - 1 PM, and the second Saturday of each month 7 AM - 11 AM. For more information about donating or to set up an appointment call 815-965-8751 or 877-RRVBC-99.
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
The Many Benefits Of Houseplants
815-544-9495 www.hw-belvidere-slf.com
The lines between the outdoors & indoors are being blurred. Homeowners build extensive outdoor living spaces so they can relax on weather-resistant furniture & even cook in lavish kitchens in their backyards. In addition, indoor threeseason rooms full of bright, open windows that showcase outdoor vistas challenge the boundaries between outside and inside.
Managed by Gardant Management Solutions
For those working with limited budgets, there are some easy, inexpensive ways to enjoy the majesty of natural landscapes indoors. Houseplants can be used to improve indoor spaces, & they also provide various health benefits. Help with allergies - According to WebMD, rooms with houseplants tend to have less dust & mold in them than those without any foliage. Leaves & other parts of the plants serve as natural filters, catching airborne particles & allergens. Plants with textured leaves might be especially effective at trapping particles. Put more oxygen into the air - The human respiratory system works by bringing in oxygen & releasing carbon dioxide. Plants do the opposite during photosynthesis. They absorb carbon dioxide & then release oxygen. Plants can put much more oxygen into the air, improving indoor conditions. Increase indoor humidity and reduce illness - Studies from the Agricultural University of Norway found that indoor plants can increase humidity in indoor spaces, which decreases the incidences of sore throats, dry coughs, dry skin, & the common cold. Higher absolute humidity can decrease the chances of survival & transmission of the flu virus. Filter the air - Researchers who presented their work at the 252nd National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society found certain houseplants can combat the potentially harmful effects of volatile organic compounds. Plants may help filter out VOCs like benzene, acetone & formaldehyde, which can enter indoor air via cleaning supplies, dry-cleaned clothes, furniture, printers, & paints. Improve interior atmosphere - Prevention magazine says plants can be used to screen unattractive areas, moderate room temperature by shading spots from the sun & even reduce noise. Plants also can improve ambiance & create a pleasing atmosphere in a room. Can improve mood - Growing & caring for plants can alleviate everyday stress. A nationwide study from UK Magazine Gardeners World found 80% of gardeners declared themselves satisfied with life compared to 67% among non-gardeners. Gardeners were more positive mentally. Greenery can help people feel more at home & improve mental health. A rehab center in Norway found patients reported a greater increase in well-being four weeks after having greenery added to their surroundings. Houseplants can improve indoor areas and positively affect personal health.
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 7
January 7, 2021
A simple phone call could make someone’s day.
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING
Reduce the burden of loneliness Connect with an older adult from the comfort of your home.
A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
CONNECT
BE THE ONE
MAKE THE CALL
We seek to alleviate chronic loneliness through fun, social phone calls.
We need you. Regular interactions are proven to foster a sense of well-being & improve physical health. You have the power to help.
A friendly phone call can make all the difference in someone’s day or even week. We will teach you how to share your stories & experiences with participants & how to listen to someone tell you about theirs.
Boone County Council On Aging 2141 Henry Luckow Ln., Belvidere • keenage.org SIMPLE ACTIONS CAN MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE. Volunteer today or refer someone who may be in need. Call 815-544-9893.
AS IF HIS LIFE DEPENDS ON IT ...because it did.
Health Benefits Of Popcorn Many people will say that no movie marathon is complete without a big bowl of popcorn. Movies & popcorn have been linked for decades, but popcorn is more than just a must-have on movie night. Popcorn lovers may be surprised to learn just how healthy this beloved snack can be. • Popcorn can help lower cholesterol. Like many other foods, popcorn is full of fiber. Fiber attaches to cholesterol particles & helps prevent them from entering the bloodstream & traveling to other parts of the body, according to Verywell Health. • Popcorn promotes healthy digestion. The same fiber that helps reduce cholesterol also promotes healthy digestion. Popcorn is a whole grain & the high fiber content in popcorn can alleviate constipation by stimulating the peristaltic motion of the smooth intestinal muscles & the secretion of digestive enzymes. • Popcorn can help regulate blood sugar. The fiber in popcorn can regulate the release & management of blood sugar & insulin levels, potentially helping people with diabetes. • Popcorn has disease-fighting properties. OrganicFacts.net says popcorn has polyphenols that act as antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants reduce oxidative stress & can fight against the development of chronic diseases. They also may prevent the development of age-related symptoms like age spots & wrinkles. • Popcorn is a low-calorie snack. A cup of air-popped popcorn comes in at just around 30 calories. That means you can overindulge a bit on popcorn & it won’t lead to overconsumption of calories. One serving of popcorn has five times fewer calories than one serving of potato chips. • Popcorn keeps you feeling full. Thanks to its high fiber content, popcorn can fill you up & stave off hunger.
This Month’s Healthy Recipe MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
Stuffed Peppers
815-965-8751 rrvbc.org
Ingredients 12 miniature sweet peppers 8 oz. reduced fat cream cheese (Neufchatel Cheese), softened 1/3 cup fresh chives, minced
BELVIDERE CEMETERY ASSOCIATION “Established 1847”
Directions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
• 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
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
Recipe Provided By The U of I Extension Office
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 black pepper
Nutrition Facts Servings Per Recipe: Per 2 Stuffed Peppers Amount Per Serving: Calories 130 Total Fat 10 g Sodium 210 mg Carbohydrates 5 g Dietary Fiber 1 g Protein 5 g
Wash hands with soap & water. Gently rub produce under cold running water before preparing ingredients. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Cut peppers lengthwise & remove seeds. In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, chives, dill, salt & pepper. Add broccoli & mix. Spoon cheese & broccoli mixture into each hollowed out pepper. Place on 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. Remove from oven & cool slightly before serving.
The Many Ways Walking Benefits Your Body Life changed dramatically in 2020. When the World Health Org. declared a COVID-19 pandemic, 100s of millions of people across the globe were forced to change how they go about their lives, including how they exercise. Many people were left without access to fitness equipment. Resilient men & women soon found ways to exercise & many of them embraced walking. Though walking might not provide the same level of intensity that fitness enthusiasts are accustomed to, the Arthritis Foundation® notes the various ways walking benefits the body. • Walking protects against heart disease & stroke. Walking strengthens the heart & protects it against heart disease. The AF also notes that walking lowers blood pressure. In fact, post-menopausal women who walk just 12 miles per day can lower their blood pressure by nearly 11 points in 24 weeks. • Walking strengthens the bones. Walking can stop the loss of bone mass for people with osteoporosis. In addition, post-menopausal women who incorporate 30 minutes of walking into their daily fitness regimens can reduce their risk of hip fractures by 40%. • Walking can extend your life. One study linked walking to longer life expectancy. People who exercise regularly in their 50s & 60s were 35% less likely to die over the next 8 yrs. than people who never walked. • Walking can improve mood. a study from researchers at California State Univ., Long Beach, found that the more steps people take during the day, the better their moods were. • Walking can lower risk for cognitive decline. Walking has been linked to a lower risk for age-related cognitive decline. A study found that men ages 71-93 who walked a 1/4 mile/day or more had half the incidence of dementia & Alzheimer’s compared to men who walked less. Age-related memory decline was lower among women ages 65 & older who walked 2.5 miles/day than women who walked less than a 1/2 mile per week. Foot traffic increased as people were forced to find new ways to exercise during the pandemic. Walking is a great way to stay in shape & even provides some lesser known benefits for people who walk each day.
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 8
Mike
Home caregiver for son, Brian
January 7, 2021
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
Various Types Of Glaucoma & Their Symptoms
supporting
First in
you at home
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.
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
John H. Maville Attorney At Law 815-544-3165 www.mavillelaw.com Suite 307, 600 S. State, Belvidere
Power Recliner By We Also Carry Lift Chairs By Ultra Comfort & Best Craft
Eyesight is important but easily taken for granted. People can’t imagine life without their eyesight, but hundreds of millions of people across the globe experience compromised vision each year. According to the CDC, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. The World Glaucoma Assoc. estimates that 79.6 million people would experience glaucoma in 2020. By 2040, that figure is expected to rise to 111.8 million people. What is glaucoma? Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology®, glaucoma usually results from the buildup of fluid in the front part of the eye. As that fluid builds up, it increases the pressure in the eye, ultimately damaging the optic nerve. Are all glaucomas the same? All glaucomas are not the same, & the AAO notes that there are two major types of the disease: Primary open-angle glaucoma & angle-closure glaucoma. • Primary open-angle glaucoma: The most common type of the disease, primary open-angle glaucoma develops gradually. Eyes affected by primary open-angle glaucoma do not drain fluid as well as they should, resulting in the buildup of pressure that slowly starts to damage the optic nerve. • Angle-closure glaucoma: Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when a person’s iris is very close to the drainage angle in his or her eye. The AAO says that this proximity can block the drainage angle, causing pressure to build up very quickly. However, the AAO also notes that many people with angle-closure glaucoma develop it very slowly & have no idea they have it until they’ve suffered severe damage. What are the symptoms of glaucoma? Symptoms differ depending on which type a person has. According to the AAO, there are no obvious symptoms in the early stages of open-angle glaucoma. Blind spots develop in patients’ peripheral vision as the disease progresses. Because people often do not experience symptoms until the damage from open-angle glaucoma has become severe, the AAO urges adults to schedule routine eye exams with an ophthalmologist so the disease can be found before significant damage has occurred. Blurred vision, halos, mild headaches, or eye pain are some early symptoms of an angle-closure glaucoma attack. However, the AAO notes that people with angle-closure glaucoma do not typically notice any symptoms until the attack has started. As a result, anyone experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms is urged to contact their ophthalmologist immediately. Once an angle-closure glaucoma attack has begun, symptoms may include: • severe pain in the eye or forehead • redness of the eye • decreased vision or blurred vision • nausea • vomiting No one is immune to glaucoma, which can quickly rob otherwise healthy individuals of their vision. Learning to recognize the early signs of glaucoma & seeking prompt treatment can reduce the likelihood of vision loss.
Social Call Program From The Keen Age Center Letter From: Kelly Hillan, Executive Director of The Keen Age Center Dear Friends, Like many in our local community, I contracted COVID-19. People’s experiences with the illness seem to range anywhere from no symptoms to hospitalization. I was somewhere in the middle, but I am ever so grateful that it was not worse & feel completely recovered. I was able to donate my plasma to the Rock River Valley Blood Center, as I now have antibodies. My hope is that it can help someone, & if you too have had COVID-19, I encourage you to check with them to see if you are eligible to donate. As you may be aware, the community surge in COVID-19 cases led to us close the Keen Age Center (KAC) again in November. Of course, it is difficult to say when we may be able to safely reopen KAC, even on a limited basis. We are encouraged by the fact that many of our staff in the Community Care Program are beginning to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations. As has been the case throughout the pandemic, we will continue to provide essential services including Public Transportation, Community Care Program, Information & Assistance, Meals on Wheels delivery & Lending Closet. We have made it a priority to continue telephone contact with as many older adults in the community as are interested. For us to continue to make these friendly, reassuring calls, we are beginning to enlist the help of volunteers in a program called Social Call. We recently received funding from the Boone County Foundation to help offset the costs to coordinate this program. The Social Call program is designed to provide fun social phone calls that offer connections that are now more important than ever. To get involved in the program call De at (815) 544-9893. Thank you so much for the overwhelming response we received from our Holiday Appeal. Although we have not been able to see you all in person, we feel so much caring & support from the community & cannot thank you enough. 2020 was a year like no other & I wish you much joy & happiness in 2021!
Kelly Hillan Kelly Hillan - Executive Director
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