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December 7, 2017 24 HOUR NURSING CARE SHORT & LONG TERM CARE
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1701 West 5th Avenue, Belvidere, IL 61008 www.parkplaceofbelvidere.com P 815.547.5451 F 815.544.4059
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SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
The History Of Christmas Stockings Just when the excitement of opening presents abates after the last of the packages under the Christmas tree have been torn open, children and adults alike may discover that there are more treats to be had nestled inside of stockings hung on the mantle. The hanging of Christmas stockings is a tradition with an extensive history. Several legends attribute the hanging of stockings to different people or events. Here is a look at some of the stories that have made Christmas stockings so popular. St. Nicholas Day - Rather than hanging stockings on Christmas, many countries celebrate Saint Nicholas Day on December 6, and this is when stockings are proudly left out for treats. The small, inexpensive trinkets are later unwrapped and enjoyed on Christmas Day. Dutch Heritage - One tradition says that, in 16th century Holland, children kept their clogs filled with straw in front of the hearth for Santa’s reindeer to find. They also left treats for Santa Claus. In return, Santa would leave gifts in the clogs. Over time, stockings were swapped out for clogs. Merchant’s Family Story - A popular tale tells the story of a merchant, his wife and three daughters. After the wife falls ill and dies, the man becomes devastated and squanders all of his wealth on frivolous things to mask his sadness. When it comes time for the daughters to marry, the man does not have money for a dowry. St. Nicholas hears of the plight and knows the man would be too proud to accept charity. Therefore, St. Nicholas anonymously tosses three bags of gold coins down the chimney. The man’s daughters had done the laundry prior and left their stockings hanging by the fireplace to dry. The gold landed in the stockings, thus starting the Christmas stocking tradition. Italian Good Witch - One stocking story does not attribute the tradition to Santa, but to a kindhearted Italian witch named “La Befana.” La Befana arrives on a broomstick the night of January 5 and fills the stockings of good children with sweet treats and toys. Bad children are awarded lumps of coal. La Befana is also credited with being the old woman who the wise men ask for directions to Christ’s manger in the Christ child’s story. After turning down an offer to accompany them, La Befana later carried gifts in search of Christ. Christmas stockings have become part of holiday traditions, and this beloved tradition has its own unique history.
Christmas Celebration Heritage Woods of Belvidere is hosting a Christmas Celebration. Friday, December 22nd, dinner from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Entertainment by Bill Dunham from 2:00-3:00 PM. Eat and stay for the music! Serving roasted turkey, roasted beef, stuffing, mashed potatoes, twice baked potatoes, steamed vegetables, and mint chocolate mousse dessert. $5 per plate. There will be an 11:00 AM seating & a 12:00 PM seating. Please RSVP by December 14th at 815-544-9495.
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Remembering December 7, 1941 - Each year on December 7, Pearl Harbor Survivors, veterans and visitors from all over the world come together to honor and remember the 2,403 service members and civilians who were killed during the Japanese attach on Pearl Harbor. A further 1,178 people were injured in the attack, which permanently sank two U.S. Navy battleships ( the USS Arizona and the USS Utah) and destroyed 188 aircraft. On August 23, 1994, the United States Congress designated December 7 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Please remember all those who were lost in service to our country and all those who continue to serve.
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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. At Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 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
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December 7, 2017
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
Long Term Care Contributed by Marc Bright, Community Liaison, Park Place of Belvidere
Historically, nursing homes really began to develop following passage of the Social Security Act of 1935, which provided payment to individual facilities. Therefore, community-based services began to emerge. With passage of the Kerr-Mills Medical Assistance to the Aged Act in 1950, which allowed for direct payment to care providers, and with increases in the number of older adults in the population, the nursing home industry boomed. In 1954, the American Nursing Home Association lobbied for and won the right for nonprofit nursing homes to be built in conjunction with hospitals using Hill-Burton funds. Thus, nonproprietary homes were moved into the medical-surgical domain where, after passage of the Medicaid and Medicare Acts in 1965, they were required to meet strict federal nursing standards, creating the skilled-level facilities of today. Altogether, there has been a 24 percent increase in nursing home occupancy rates (McKnight’s Long-term Care News). The percentage of residents requiring more hours of care, more services on a daily basis, and having higher acuity levels has also risen over the years. Indeed, 43 percent of all Americans who have passed their 65th birthday are expected to use a nursing home at least once in their lifetime. Today, the primary providers of facility-based care for dependent seniors, such as Park Place of Belvidere, are the more than 16,000 certified-skilled nursing homes in the United States. Currently, Texas and California have the highest number of facilities -totaling 2400, with Illinois nearing 800 (Kaiser Family Foundation). According to a NCHS survey, 75 percent of nursing homes are for-profit, 20 percent nonprofit, and 5 percent government operated (usually county or veteran homes). Fifty-seven percent are operated by nursing home chains and about 40 percent are independently operated. One-third of the nursing homes have fewer than 50 beds, about another third have between 50 and 99 beds, 28 percent have 100 to 199 beds, and only slightly more than 6 percent have 200 or more beds. Park Place of Belvidere, located in a residential area of the city, is dedicated to each individual resident and devoted to using every method possible to ensure they receive the personalized care they need. Park Place is recognized as one of the premier healthcare centers for skilled nursing care, post-acute nursing services, respite and short-term care. Our professional and skilled staff are committed to providing excellent care for our residents. Medicare has assigned a 4-Star rating to Park Place on providing a high level of staffing of RN’s, LPN’s and CNA’s per resident. Our high ratio of caregivers to residents ensures compassionate service and care at all times. From the very first day a resident is with us, we work together to develop aggressive goals. Working on benchmarks together allows us to focus on the goal of achieving the highest level of independence possible.
Classes & Events Craft Night - at the Belvidere Park District, Rivers Edge Recreation Center, 1151 W. Locust St., Belvidere. Calling all crafters, come and craft with us! Share ideas and enjoy a great evening with fellow crafters. Bring your own supplies. We will provide table space, an older model cricut, and refreshments. Sign up a week before and receive a mystery craft! Monday, January 15th, 6:00-8:00 PM. Residents $4, nonresidents $6. For more information call 815-547-9557. Health Management Resources Seminar - OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center offers Health Management Resources Seminars (HMR). The next class is December 11, 5:00-6:00 PM at 5666 East State Street, Rockford. HMRŽ programs offer a highly structured, easy-to-follow diet that emphasizes healthy eating habits and fast, longlasting weight loss. They are ideal for anyone wanting to lose weight and become healthier, including those with diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and other medical conditions. At this seminar, you will learn what program option is right for you, class times and costs. Come prepared to ask any questions you may have. For questions about this event, call 815-227-2274. Rock Valley College CLR Classes - Retirement doesn’t have to be an ending. Make it a new beginning. Take advantage of the many exciting lifelong learn opportunities the Center for Learning in Retirement has to offer! For members, Rock Valley offers over 350 classes each year, monthly bus trips, extended trips, social events, a fitness program, special interest groups, and many volunteer opportunities. Meet new people, develop new friendships. Find a purpose in retirement. It’s all waiting for you. CLR annual membership fee is $30. For more information call 815-921-3931 or visit rockvalleycollege.edu/Community/CLR.
Belvidere Family
YMCA
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815-547-5307
• Programs Recommended By Arthritis Foundation • Silver Sneakers & Enhance Fitness • Gymnasium & 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
220 West Locust, Belvidere, IL 61008 www.belviderefamilyymca.org
Free Consultation • Wills • Trusts • Probate • Powers of Attorney • Nursing Home Planning • Real Estate
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December 7, 2017
DISPILL Medication Packaging System
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Researchers at the Yale School of Public Health analyzed 12 years of data from the University of Michigan’s Health and Retirement Study concerning reading habits. Among the 3,600 participants over the age of 50, those who read books for as little as 30 minutes per day over several years were living an average of two years longer than those who didn’t read. Studies have shown that reading improves fluency and story retention while providing a host of additional benefits to young children. However, the perks do not end with the passing of adolescence. Data published in the journal Neurology found reading regularly improves memory function by working out the brain. This can help slow a decline in memory and other brain functions. Frequent brain exercise can lower mental decline by 32 percent, according to research published in The Huffington Post.
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Studies even suggest that reading can help a person be more empathetic to others’ feelings. Research published in the journal Science showed that reading literary works (not popular fiction) cultivates a skill known as “theory of mind,” which is the “ability to ‘read’ the thoughts and feelings of others.”
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Reading also can be calming, helping to reduce stress as a result. By losing oneself in a book, worries and stress can melt away, says research conducted in 2009 at the University of Sussex. Measuring heart rate and muscle tension, researchers discovered that study participants needed just six minutes to relax once they began reading. There are many other reasons why reading is good for the mind and body. The following tips can help men and women find more time to read.
Monday - Saturday
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• Find small minutes to read. Busy people may think they don’t have the time to devote to reading, but if they read in small intervals, the amount of time will add up. Read during commutes (if you’re not driving), while in physicians’ waiting rooms or during a lunch hour.
Veterans Assistance Commission Of Boone County
• It’s okay to quit. If you’re a few chapters into a book and it’s not striking your fancy, it’s okay to trade up for a more interesting tale. Don’t feel obligated to finish a book if you are not engaged.
The Veterans’ Assistance Commission provides needed services exclusively to Honorably Discharged Military Veterans & their families. We work with local Veterans’ Service Organizations as well as local, state & federal agencies, to ensure your rights. Services include: Interim and/or emergency veterans’ (financial) assistance, emotional support services, administrative case work, transition center services & VA medical-related transportation services.
• Read paper books. Reading printed books can be a welcome, relaxing change from looking at screens all day. This may inspire you to read more and for longer periods of time. • Join a book club. A book club in which you engage with fellow readers can motivate you to read more often. • Visit the IDA Public Library and check out a good book. Located at 320 N. State St., Belvidere. Open Monday Friday 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM and Saturdays 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. For more information call 815-544-3838.
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Vietnam Vets Encouraged To Apply 815-544-6464 130 S. State St., Suite 212, Belvidere www.VACBC.org Email: VACBoone@VACBC.org
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The availability of digital content has made it easy to forget how pleasurable it can be to pick up a good book and get lost in a story. In fact, a 2015 Huffington Post/YouGov poll of 1,000 adults in the United States found that 28 percent hadn’t read a single book in the previous 12 months.
Many people look toward retirement with mixed feelings. There is the anticipation and excitement of no longer having to stick to a set schedule. However, there may be some trepidation about living without a steady income. While retirees may need to alter their spending habits, it is possible to live happily on less. • Accurately assess home expenses. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling says the cost of homerelated expenses accounts for roughly 45% of spending for retirees. Individuals can add up exactly how much their homes are costing them & then decide if downsizing is a practical solution. • Invest in health care. Unexpected health care costs can quickly deplete individuals’ finances. That’s why it is essential to have a solid insurance plan in place. Health care planning also may include thinking ahead to longterm care, such as assisted living & nursing homes. One may have to make concessions elsewhere, but investing in health care can assuage concerns men & women might have about their cost of living. • Use alternative transportation. Cars can be expensive. A budget-friendly alternative to driving is to use public transportation or transportation services provided to seniors free or for nominal fees. • Take advantage of senior discounts. Many restaurants, stores & service centers offer discounts to seniors. The starting age for discounts may vary from store to store, so always ask before cashing out. • Shop for food differently. Bulk buys may have been appropriate for men & women when there were kids running around, but empty-nesters can cut back on food expenses. Shopping sales & making more meals at home can help seniors save money. The market research firm NPD Group found that in-home meals cost roughly one-third of what it costs to eat the same food at a restaurant. Save dining out for special occasions.
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December 7, 2017
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
Staying Active In The Winter Article Contributed By: The Belvidere Family YMCA
As the temperature drops, we tend to lead a more sedentary life. Physical inactivity can lead to many health risks, especially as we age. According to Lifespan Fitness, physical inactivity may increase your risks of certain cancers, anxiety and depression and is a risk factor for certain cardiovascular diseases. AARP officially recommends that seniors should do heart-pumping cardio for 30 minutes a day and at least two sessions of muscle strengthening exercises weekly. There are many ways to stay active during the cold winter months: At Home: Add in some activities in the comfort of your own home. Easy ways to increase your physical activity include walking the stairs some extra times, walking in place or completing squats as you are watching television, doing chair exercises such as toe taps & leg raises during commercials, vacuuming a few extra times throughout the week or doing bicep curls with light hand weights (you can even use soup cans if you don’t have weights!). In the Community: Go check out the sites! Take an extra lap around the grocery store. Walk around the local community building or check out the exhibits at the area museum. These are easy ways to get out & about in the community & get some extra steps in. At the Gym: Local gyms are great places to stay active in a more social setting. Many people enjoy hitting the gym in the winter months because they make connections with the staff & other members in order to hold them more accountable to complete their workouts. Check out your local gym to see what they may offer! Ask questions about varying levels of wellness classes to meet your needs, adult aquatics classes (especially if you suffer from arthritis), the variety of gym equipment & the orientation to such equipment & the availability of personal trainers to create a personalized plan to meet your healthy living goals. By taking the time to take care of yourself, you are working towards preventing or alleviating chronic health conditions, increasing your balance & stability, improving healing & functioning abilities, relieving stress, improving your mood & overall improvement of your quality of life. Your body will thank you! The Belvidere Family YMCA offers a wide variety of wellness classes from low impact cardio & strength training to adult aquatic classes geared towards the senior population, as well as being a full service gym. The Y also offers many discounted membership programs to meet the needs of the community such as Silver Sneakers, Open Door scholarship & veteran discounts. For more information on the Belvidere Y, please contact us at 815547-5307 or belviderefamilyymca.org. Prior to beginning any exercise regimen, you should consult with your physician. Physical activity should be modified to meet your needs & physical abilities.
Christmas Music Origins Scores of artists have released Christmas albums during their careers. Christmas music can be broken down into two distinct categories: Traditional hymns & carols and popular secular songs. Some believe that the religious standards have been passed down since the earliest days of Christianity. But, before the 12th century, music wasn’t typically included in religious services or was included only sporadically. In present day, religious tunes identified as Christmas music typically are not sung until Christmas Eve & thereafter until the Epiphany. The world’s most popular Christmas carol was originally a poem penned in 1816 by Austrian Catholic priest Josef Mohr. Two years later, Mohr asked Franz Xaver Gruber, an organist & local schoolteacher, to put his words to music. The resulting song, “Silent Night,” was not translated into English for 40 years. “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” also originated from a poem & had the original opening line of, “Hark how all the welkin rings.” The subsequent version was more catchy, & the faster-paced accompaniment was courtesy of Felix Mendelssohn, added 100 years after the poem was written. “Jingle Bells,” a nonreligious tune that has become synonymous with Christmas, was not originally written as a Christmas tune. In fact, the song was intended to celebrate Thanksgiving. Christmas music is diverse, with modern interpretations & religious classics enjoyed through the years.
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with Others.
This Month’s Healthy Recipe Leftover Turkey Casserole Nutrition Facts Recipe Provided By The U of I Extension Office
Servings Per Recipe: 12 Servings
Ingredients 5-6 cups cooked turkey, chopped 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth 1 lb. macaroni noodles, uncooked 1/2 lb. reduced-fat cream cheese, cut in small cubes
3 small onions, finely chopped 2 cans cream of mushroom soup (98% fat free) 2 cups cracker crumbs 1/2 tsp. sage (optional) 1/8 tsp. pepper
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 2. Combine all ingredients into a large mixing bowl; mix well. 3. Pour mixture into greased 9 inch x 13 inch baking dish. Bake for 1 hour. *Note: This recipe works great for many types of meat, such as chicken, pork, and beef!
Amount Per Serving: Calories 410 Total Fat 10g Sodium 510mg Carbohydrates 48g Dietary Fiber 3g Protein 30g
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