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October 13, 2022
October
An Affordable Assisted Lifestyle Community For The Older Adult.
Testimonial by Cecelia Skrade
From the very first day that my husband & I decided to sell our home & move to Supportive Living, our family was very much in agreement. We came to Heritage Woods of Belvidere in 2018 & were satisfied with the friendly environment here. Our family has set up a “family text” that has helped keep all family members informed of supportive living life. Each member has their evening to call “home”. Now that I am a widow, I have become more involved in activities offered, including exercise, bingo, & coffee talk. There is also time to visit with other residents who are not as fortunate as I am. - Cecelia Skrade
Cecelia Skrade Resident
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
A Look At The Oldest Halloween Traditions As with many celebrations, Halloween is steeped in traditions - many of which can be traced back quite some time. Since Halloween is believed to have originated from Celtic pagan, ancient Roman & early Christian events, its traditions are varied. The following is a deep look at some old traditions associated with Halloween. Bonfires - Historians trace many traditions of Halloween to a Celtic holiday known as Samhain (pronounced sow-in). The Celts lived 2,000 years ago in parts of what is now Northern France, Great Britain & Ireland. During Samhain, people believed that the door between the worlds of the living & the dead was blurred. On Samhain, Celts believed the ghosts of the dead returned. Also, Druids made predictions about the future at this time of year. It was customary to build large, sacred bonfires & burn crops & other sacrifices to the Celtic deities. While large bonfires are not typically part of Halloween celebrations today, revelers can light fire pits in their yards that are reminiscent of ancient celebrations. Trick-or-treating - Christianity spread throughout Celtic regions & blended with other rituals. Pope Gregory III expanded on a holiday Pope Boniface IV established to honor Christian martyrs to include all saints & martyrs. All Saints Day on November 1 commemorates the venerable saints, & All Souls Day on November 2 celebrates loved ones who went on to eternal rest. All-Hallows Eve (Halloween) was a time to pay homage to the dead. Poor children would go door to door in more affluent neighborhoods offering to say prayers for residents’ deceased loved ones in exchange for some food or money. This was known as “souling,” which became the basis for trick-or-treating. Later the tradition became known as “guising” in areas of Scotland, where children would go around in costumes. Witches - Images of witches riding broomsticks are everywhere come Halloween, & witch costumes remain a standard. Almanac.com indicates that, during the Middle Ages, women who practiced divination were dubbed “witches,” from the Anglo-Saxon word “wicce,” or “wise one.” It was believed the witches could go into a trancelike state, & would do so in front of their fireplaces. Superstitious people believed the witches could fly out of their chimneys on broomsticks & terrorize others with magical deeds. Bobbing for apples - is not quite as popular as it once was, as more people have become concerned about spreading germs. During the Roman festival for Pomona, which occurred around November 1, Pomona, the goddess of fruit & orchards, was celebrated. Romans believed the first person to catch a bobbing apple with his or her teeth would be the first to marry. It also was believed apple peels contained the secrets to true love.
ONSITE AMENITIES: Private One Bedroom Apartment, Three RestaurantStyle Meals Daily, Housekeeping & Laundry Services, 24 Hour Staffing, Onsite Beauty/Barber Services, Emergency Call Devices, Ongoing Health Monitoring, Interesting & Varied Programs, Medication Reminders & Assistance 4730 Squaw Prairie Rd. Belvidere
815-544-9495 www.hw-belvidere-slf.com Managed by Gardant Management Solutions
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
Book The Funderburg House For Your Next Event
Carving pumpkins - Removing the insides of pumpkins & carving them into funny or fearsome faces may be messy work, but it’s tradition on Halloween. Turnips were the material of choice in ancient Ireland, but were replaced by pumpkins when immigrants came to America. The “lanterns” were made with scary faces & lit to frighten away spirits. Halloween is full of traditions, many of which have lengthy histories. Boone County and Belvidere offer several Halloween Events including Downtown Trick or Treat, hosted by the Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce from 4-7 PM on Wednesday, October 26th; the annual IOU Club Halloween Parade in downtown Belvidere on Sunday, October 30th at 7 PM; Belvidere Trick or Treat on Monday, October 31st, 4-8 PM. Please see the October 27th issue of the Boone County Shopper for Trick or Treat times for the surrounding communities. DISPILL MEDICATION PACKAGING Prevents Your Loved One From Missing Medications
The UPS Store® HOME HEALTHCARE DEPT Walkers, Wheelchairs, Bath Benches & More NEEDS A DRIVE-THRU WHEN W HO WE D vailable 6 Days A W Delivery A eek M ELIVE on.Sat R! .
O’Brien’s Pharmacy
216 S. State St., Belvidere 815-544-3433
Birthdays, Anniversaries, Meetings, Office Parties, Reunions, Bridal Showers, Baby Showers, Family Pictures & More
815-544-8391 funderburghouse.org The Funderburg House, 605 N. State Street, Belvidere
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111 BUCHANAN ST. | BELVIDERE, IL 61008 815-547-1012 SUNDAY - TUESDAY | 11AM – 2 AM WEDNESDAY - SATURDAY | 8AM – 2 AM
315 S. State St. Belvidere 815-547-6672 HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 9-5; Fri. 9-7; Sat. 9-4; Closed Sun. FURNITURE
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October 13, 2022
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING
BELVIDERE CEMETERY ASSOCIATION “Established 1847”
A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
Help Navigating Medicare Offered At BCCA Kelly Hillan, Exec. Director of The Keen Age Center
The Boone County Council on Aging’s Information & Assistance staff help hundreds navigate Medicare each year. Our staff & volunteers are trained through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). SHIP provides unbiased help to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, & caregivers. Whether you are new to Medicare, reviewing Medicare plan options, or have questions on how to use your Medicare, the SHIP program can provide assistance for yourself or your loved ones: Considering making coverage changes during Medicare’s Annual Election Period (Open Enrollment)? Contact your SHIP for one-on-one assistance with reviewing health or prescription drug plan options. Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period, also known as the Annual Election Period, is the time of year when you can make changes to your Medicare coverage. This period runs from October 15 through December 7, & any changes you make will take effect on January 1. Even if you are happy with your current health & drug coverage, Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period is a good time to review what you have and compare it with other options. Worried about the out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare? Find out about assistance programs you or your loved one might be eligible for. Unsure about Medicare’s eligibility criteria? Get help understanding the guidelines. Wondering what Medicare does & doesn’t cover? Medicare can be complicated. We can help you find answers. Confused about who pays first, Medicare or another insurance? Let us explain how Medicare works with supplemental policies, retiree coverage, Medicaid, & other insurers. To receive impartial assistance with any of these Medicare related issues, please contact one of the Information & Assistance staff at Boone County Council on Aging: Cecilia Hernandez, Rachel Vinciguerra & Mark Schuth at (815) 544-9893 to schedule an appointment.
• 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
MEDICARE
Open Enrollment OCTOBER 15TH TO DECEMBER 7TH
We Are Here To Help You Through The Process. CALL 815-544-9893 TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT Boone County Council On Aging 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere
815-544-9893 www.keenage.org
Cyber Scams Come In Many Different Forms
• Disaster relief scams: Human beings’ innate sense of compassion is on full display in the aftermath of natural disasters, when people across the globe typically donate hundreds of millions of dollars in an effort to help people whose lives have been turned upside down by hurricanes, tsunamis & other devastating events. But skilled cybercriminals prey on that compassion by setting up bogus relief efforts. Such efforts may involve fake charities with names that are similar but slightly different than well-known, legitimate nonprofit organizations. Operations such as Charity Navigator make it easy to verify if a charitable organization is legitimate, & would-be donors should utilize such resources prior to making any donations. • Phishing scams are among the oldest cyber scams, but they still nab victims every day. The Federal Trade Commission warns that many phishing scams are conducted via email or text & inform potential victims that there is an issue with their finances. Some may say there are issues with a bank account, credit card or even a tax return. Skeptics may wonder how anyone could fall for a phishing scam in the age of two-factor authentication and other security measures. However, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reports that phishing scams cost victims nearly $60 million in 2019, indicating they’re still a lucrative source of income for cybercriminals. • Formjacking is a retail-based scam in which online shoppers’ personal & financial information is stolen. In such instances, a retail website could be hacked without users’ knowledge. When it’s time to purchase items they’ve placed in their carts, users are redirected to a fraudulent payment page, where they enter personal information, such as a credit card number, that cybercriminals then steal. When buying items online, shoppers should confirm that the URL on the payment page aligns with the retailer they’re buying from. If the URL is missing even a single letter (think Amzon.com instead of Amazon.com), then chances are a formjacking scam is being operated. Tech support scams, in which users are asked to download applications to fix an infected computer, & similar download-based fake antivirus software scams are some additional examples of cyber scams. Users are urged to be on the lookout for these types of scams & exercise caution whenever something doesn’t seem right.
First in
Caring
© Northern Illinois Hospice 2022
In a relatively short period of time, the internet has changed the way people live. Things that might have been unimaginable as recently as a quarter century ago are now ingrained in daily life. For instance, few people in the late 1990s might have imagined a day when people across the globe would be walking around with mini computers capable of taking hi-resolution photos in their pockets. But smartphones have long since become an accepted & vital part of life. The internet has opened doors to new possibilities, but it’s also left other doors open for cybercriminals. Any home with an internet connection is potentially vulnerable to internet scams. Recognition of that fact & awareness of scams can reduce the likelihood of being victimized by opportunistic cybercriminals.
You and your family are our top priority. As the region’s first hospice provider, no one has more experience putting you first.
Call us at 815.398.0500 to
discuss the best care options for you or your loved one.
northernillinoishospice.org
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 Colisha Williams (815) 547-5255 Property Manager for private showing.
cwilliams@ludwigco.com fax: (815) 544-9568
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 50 Years!
Nor thwoods
2250 Pearl Street, Belvidere, IL 61008 tel: 815.544.0358 • fax: 815.544.5006 symphonynorthwoods.com
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October 13, 2022
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
What Dental Hygiene Does For Overall Health
We want to buy your unwanted gold & silver, jewelry, coins & silverware FOR IMMEDIATE PAYMENT.
Brushing & flossing your teeth may save you extra sessions in the dentist’s chair each year, but the benefits of dental hygiene do not end with pearly whites. In fact, there’s a direct correlation between oral hygiene & overall health. Oral health offers clues about overall health, advises the Mayo Clinic. When a dentist or hygienist checks a person’s mouth, he or she is getting a window into that person’s overall wellness - including if something is amiss. Dental hygiene matters because, without proper brushing & flossing, bacteria in the mouth can grow unchecked. Over time, that bacteria can infiltrate & break down the soft tissues in the gums & teeth, eventually leading to decay & gum disease. Greenwood Dental Care in Illinois states that the bacteria from the mouth could travel into the bloodstream & elsewhere, causing a host of issues. There’s a high correlation between an unhealthy mouth & systemic diseases. The United Kingdom-based dental group Fulham Road Dental indicates that gum disease is linked to heart problems, kidney diseases & certain types of cancer. Dentists who notice problems in their patients’ mouths may be able to predict potential illnesses elsewhere in the body, advising those patients to seek consultations with other healthcare providers. Here’s a look at some of the correlations between oral health & overall health, courtesy of the Mayo Clinic. • Endocarditis: When bacteria or other germs from the mouth or another part of the body spread through the bloodstream, they can attach to certain areas of the heart. This causes an infection in the inner lining of the heart chambers or valves. • Cardiovascular disease: While it’s not fully understood why, clogged arteries, stroke & heart disease may be linked to inflammation & infection caused by oral bacteria. • Pneumonia: Bacteria in the mouth may be pulled into the lungs, where it can lead to respiratory illness, such as pneumonia. It’s a two-way street with health & the mouth. Certain diseases can lead to issues in the mouth. HIV/AIDS may cause mucosal lesions in the mouth; those with osteoporosis may have weakened periodontal bone & tooth loss; & research has shown that diabetes puts gum health at risk. Individuals should make oral health a priority, as it has a significant effect on their overall health and well-being. For a complimentary consultation call Chapko & Shah Modern Dentistry at 815-544-5144. Chapko & Shah Modern Dentistry is located at 140 N. State St., Belvidere. They offer dental implants, implant support dentures, bone grafting, cometic dentistry, general dentistry and sleep dentistry. For more information visit chapkoandshah.com.
Bring in your antique and/or used jewelry, gold, silverware & estate jewelry for an offer.
This Month’s Healthy Recipe
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Baked Acorn Squash Ingredients 1 medium or large acorn squash 1 medium onion, chopped 1 green or red pepper, chopped
Recipe Provided By The U of I Extension Office
1 tablespoon butter, unsalted 1/2 lb. cheddar cheese, grated 2 slices fresh bread
Nutrition Facts Per Serving (6 Servings) Calories 230 Total Fat 15 g Sodium 280 mg Carbohydrates 14 g Fiber 2 g Protein 11 g
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Wash hands with soap & water. Gently rub produce under cool running water. 2. Place squash on a cookie sheet in the oven. Bake for one hour, or until a fork pierces the skin easily. 3. Reduce heat to 350 degrees. Cool cooked squash for about 10 minutes or until it is cooled enough to handle. 4. Cut the squash in half with a knife & scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Throw the seeds away. 5. Scoop out all of the squash into a large mixing bowl, leaving the shell as intact as possible on the cookie sheet. 6. Heat a large skillet on the stovetop with butter, add the chopped onion & pepper & cook until tender. 7. Add cooked onion & pepper to the squash in mixing bowl. Mix in the grated cheddar cheese, reserving a handful to mix with the bread crumbs. Spoon mixture back into the squash shells. 8. Tear bread into small pieces and combine with the last of the cheese. Sprinkle bread & cheese mixture on top of the squash mixture inside the shells. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.
Hatha Yoga At The Belvidere Park District Hatha Yoga is an ancient practice of physical well-being which promotes optimum health. Through the use of gentle stretching & deep breathing techniques, yoga tones muscles, increases strength & flexibility, reduces stress, improves concentration, & results in a sense of balance & peace. The atmosphere of the class is quiet & soothing. Students are encourage to work at their own pace. Wear loose fitting clothing & bring a blanket or mat. Classes take place at Rivers Edge Rec Center, 1151 W. Locust Street, Belvidere with instructor Jeff Leaich. Beginner Yoga - October 27th - December 15th, 5:15-6:30 PM on Thursdays. To register visit belviderepark.org. Intermediate/Advanced Yoga - October 25th - December 6th, 5:30-6:45 PM on Tuesdays. To register visit belviderepark.org.
• All-On-4 Implants • Dental Implants • Implant Support Dentures • Bone Grafting • Cosmetic Dentistry • General Dentistry • Sleep Dentistry
2nd Opinions & Complimentary Consultations 140 N. State St., Belvidere, IL 61008
815-544-5144 CHAPKOANDSHAH.COM
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October 13, 2022
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
Potential Warning Signs Of Breast Cancer
Our goal is to maximize quality of life, so you can enjoy time with those who mean the most to you.
Free Consultation • Wills • Trusts • Probate • Real Estate John H. Maville Attorney At Law 815-544-3165 www.mavillelaw.com Suite 307, 600 S. State, Belvidere
Complete Service Of Cars & Light Trucks
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• 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
According to the World Cancer Research Fund Int., there were more than 2.26 million new cases of breast cancer in women in 2020. Such figures are sobering, but it’s important to recognize that breast cancer survival rates have improved dramatically in recent decades, providing hope to millions of women. Various factors have helped to improve breast cancer survival rates, & education about the disease is certainly among them. Women are their own greatest allies against breast cancer, & learning to spot its signs & symptoms is a great first step in the fight against this potentially deadly, yet treatable disease. Knowing your body - The American Cancer Society urges women to take note of how their breasts normally look & feel. That is vital because it helps women recognize when something does not look or feel good to the touch with their breasts. Screening alone may not be sufficient, as mammograms do not find every breast cancer. Signs & symptoms - When women are well acquainted with how their breasts look & feel, they’re in a better position to recognize any abnormalities, which may or may not be indicative of breast cancer. The ACS reports that the following are some potential warning signs of breast cancer. • A new lump or mass: The most common symptom of breast cancer. A lump or mass that is cancerous is often painless, but hard & has irregular edges. However, lumps caused by breast cancer also can be soft, round & tender. Some even cause pain. • Swelling: Some women experience swelling of all or part of a breast even if they don’t detect a lump. • Dimpling: The skin on the breast may dimple and sometimes mimics the look of an orange peel. • Pain: Pain on the breast or nipple could indicate breast cancer. • Retraction: Some women with breast cancer experience retraction, which occurs when the nipple turns inward. • Skin abnormalities: Breast cancer may cause the skin on the breast to redden, dry out, flake, or thicken. • Swollen lymph nodes: Some women with breast cancer experience swelling of the lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone. The presence of any of these symptoms merits a trip to the doctor. Women with these symptoms should not immediately assume they have breast cancer, as the ACS notes that various symptoms of breast cancer also are indicative of non-cancerous conditions that affect the breasts. Only a physician can diagnose breast cancer.
October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month No better time to go for a screening! Walk-in screening, digital mammograms are available at UW Health. No appt. needed, just walk in at UW Health/Belvidere, Mon.-Fri., 7:30 AM - 2 PM, 1625 S. State St. A physician referral is not needed for a screening mammogram, & most insurance is accepted including Medicare. For information call 779-696-7676 or visit uwhealth.org.
Medicare & You, Ready for Some Nice Surprises? Yvonne “Chevy” Peterson, Medicare Translator, Broker at Medicare 411
If you are on Medicare, fall means more than apple donuts & shorter days, it’s also Medicare’s Annual Enrollment (AEP) which runs from October 15th to December 7th. This is the one time of year you can make changes to your health coverage for the coming year. What are some things you can look forward to this AEP? First off, there are some nice surprises in store. Recipients Part B premium is going down! Yes, I know it seems unheard of, but it’s true. The 2023 premium will be $164.90, previously $170.10, in addition the Part B deductible is also going down from $233 to $226. If you have a Supplement & you’ve had a review in the past 3-5 years, you’re probably just fine, but that means you have a Drug Plan that covers your prescriptions. Every year there are formulary changes & that means a review is in your best interest to ensure you have a plan that will offer the best pricing for your current medications. On the other hand, if you have not had your Supplement reviewed recently, PLEASE get a review. I’ve seen people save almost $2,000 a year for the same coverage simply by switching carriers. Advantage Plans, you either love them or hate them. There doesn’t seem to be an in-between. Locally this is an area we are seeing BIG changes. Over the last several years there was a pretty clear choice when it came to benefits, network, & costs. This year expect lots of new choices. Several well-known insurance companies have decided they want a share of the market. What does that mean for you? Plans with lower co-pays, lower out-ofpocket costs, & higher allowances for those extras like dental, vision, hearing, over-the counter, & possibly even a few new perks depending on the plan. Medicare & Medicaid dual eligible folks often think they have all that they are eligible for. You too can have an Advantage Plan with a zero premium that will help stretch your dollars & offer additional coverage. Wrapping up, why review? To make sure your coverage meets your current healthcare needs; to make sure your current medications will be covered; to make sure your preferred providers are in your network; to make sure you have maximized your benefits while keeping your costs low. Reach out to a local broker who can review the plans in our area to find one that best meets YOUR needs & budget. Call for an appointment at 815-414-9044 or see the Medicare 411 ad in this section.
Every fall new Medicare Insurance plans are released offering increased benefits! Some at no charge! This is your chance to make changes.
Let me help you choose the best plan for YOU!
My services are Free!
Yvonne “Chevy” Peterson 815-414-9044 yvonne@medicare411co.com yvonnepeterson.medicare411co.com AARP, Aetna, Bankers Fidelity Life, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, Lumico, Mutual of Omaha, Quartz, Silverscript, United Healthcare, Wellcare, WPS & more
YVONNE
“Chevy”